Culcita novaeguineae
smooth form
Culcita novaeguineae
is found in a variety of different habitats in the atoll, in coral reefs, in
algae patches or even on sand. The ones living in algae patches and sandy areas
are usually, but not always, much smoother and almost velvety to the touch.
Dorsally, they pretty much lack the hard rounded or pointed bumps so characteristic
of nearly all specimens found in reefs. They have all been considered Culcita
novaeguinea, but sometimes we wonder if the two forms might actually be
different. Click on the thumbnail for a larger image.
Each thumbnail links
to a larger photo.
Back to seastars
Kwajalein
Underwater Home