Distribution: Uncommon in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Recorded from New South Wales generally, Coffs Harbour in the north to Montague Island in the south. Also Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands and New Zealand.
Ecological Notes: Frequents deeper offshore reefs where it feeds on algae. Depth from 10 to 50 m.
Additional Notes: Appears dark underwater, torch or strobe light revealing the intense red and yellow hues. Has long spines and light coloured faecal sac with dark centre. Test diameter to about 70 mm, primary spines to 150 mm.
References: Graham J. Edgar. Australian Marine Life, 2nd Edition, 2008. Reed New Holland Publishers. pp.414-5.
Neville Coleman, Sea Stars. Echinoderms of the Asia/Indo-Pacific. Neville Coleman’s Underwater Geographic Pty Ltd, 2007. p.90.