Patiriella regularis
Patiriella regularis, or New Zealand common cushion star, is a sea star of the family Asterinidae, native to New Zealand. It has an arm spread of up to 60 mm (2.4 in).
| Patiriella regularis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Asteroidea |
| Order: | Valvatida |
| Family: | Asterinidae |
| Genus: | Patiriella |
| Species: | P. regularis |
| Binomial name | |
| Patiriella regularis (Verrill, 1867) | |
It is one of New Zealand's most common rocky shore starfish.[1] It is abundant in shallow water around both mainland islands. They come in a large range of colours and have 4–6 arms.
They feed on algae, barnacles and invertebrates. To catch their food the cushion star inflates its cushion and then deflates on top of its prey.[2]
They were introduced into waters in south east Tasmania, where they have become well established.[3] Concern exists that they may be an invasive species. They breed in January to March. Once fertilised, 9–10 weeks are needed for them to grow from larvae.
Research
A genetic variance is found in P. regularis from the North and South of New Zealand. Geographic barriers, and coastal upwellings might keep various types of P. regularis from being able to spread or comingle.[4]
References
- O'Loughlin, P. M.; Waters, J. M.; Roy, M. S. (December 2002). "Description of a new species of Patiriella from New Zealand, and review of Patiriella regularis (Echinodermata, Asteroidea) based on morphological and molecular data". Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. 32 (4): 697–711. doi:10.1080/03014223.2002.9517716. ISSN 0303-6758.
- "Common Cushion Sea Star (Patiriella regularis)". WHATSTHATFISH. 2020. Archived from the original on 3 December 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
- "Overview of the Conservation of Australian Marine Invertebrates". Department of Environment and Heritage. 2002. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
- Ayers KL, Waters JM (2005). "Marine biogeographic disjunction in central New Zealand". Marine Biology. 147 (4): 1045–1052. doi:10.1007/s00227-005-1632-7. S2CID 84109570.