Red Cushion Starfish (Porania pulvillus)

$100.00
sold out

Live Red Cushion Star (Hippasteria phrygiana)
This is a wet, live, science specimen

The Red Cushion Star (Hippasteria phrygiana) is one of the most striking and elusive echinoderms found along the Gulf of Maine. Recognized for its brilliant red-to-orange coloration and thick, cushion-like body, this rare sea star inhabits rocky subtidal areas and deep tidepools, often wedged among crevices and ledges. It is a slow-moving predator, feeding on bivalves and other invertebrates using its strong tube feet and everting stomach.

Due to its rarity and specialized habitat, H. phrygiana is collected only occasionally. Each live specimen is hand-collected by our team during optimal conditions, making it a unique addition to marine research collections, touch tanks, or educational exhibits.

Please Note: This species is found very infrequently. Orders will be held until we are able to locate and collect the specimen.

Common name: Red cushion star
Scientific name: Hippasteria phrygiana
Locations: Shallow coastal waters — attached to rocks, in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: Very rare; caught only occasionally
Colors: Bright red to orange
Size: 5”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each

Uses: Ideal for advanced marine biology study, aquarium display, and echinoderm anatomy education.

Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

Live Red Cushion Star (Hippasteria phrygiana)
This is a wet, live, science specimen

The Red Cushion Star (Hippasteria phrygiana) is one of the most striking and elusive echinoderms found along the Gulf of Maine. Recognized for its brilliant red-to-orange coloration and thick, cushion-like body, this rare sea star inhabits rocky subtidal areas and deep tidepools, often wedged among crevices and ledges. It is a slow-moving predator, feeding on bivalves and other invertebrates using its strong tube feet and everting stomach.

Due to its rarity and specialized habitat, H. phrygiana is collected only occasionally. Each live specimen is hand-collected by our team during optimal conditions, making it a unique addition to marine research collections, touch tanks, or educational exhibits.

Please Note: This species is found very infrequently. Orders will be held until we are able to locate and collect the specimen.

Common name: Red cushion star
Scientific name: Hippasteria phrygiana
Locations: Shallow coastal waters — attached to rocks, in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: Very rare; caught only occasionally
Colors: Bright red to orange
Size: 5”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each

Uses: Ideal for advanced marine biology study, aquarium display, and echinoderm anatomy education.

Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.