Starfish – Pillow

Pillow Starfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 30cm (1′)

Diet: Omnivore (Should be supplemented with meaty and algae rocks)

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Can eat invertebrates and soft coral if not fed properly)

Lifespan: Up to 35 years

Scientific Name: Culcita Novaeguineae

Other Names: Pillow Cushion Starfish

Coral Safe: Yes with caution

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with Caution (Will eat sessile invertebrates [anemones that are damaged/dying, clams, sponges, etc.] )

The pillow starfish is a rare predatory starfish species that is barely seen in the hobby. It’s scientific name is Culcita Novaeguineae but it is most often referred to by its common name, the pillow starfish, it is also sometimes called the cushion starfish. This starfish is a part of the Oreasteridae family. These starfish at its maximum will reach up to 1’ but that size is rarely seen in the hobby, 2-4” is a more common size in captivity. Pillow starfish can live up to 35 years in optimal conditions, they are omnivores and will benefit from direct feedings of meaty foods. Due to their wide diet these starfish are considered semi-aggressive, if they are not fed properly they have been known to eat molluscs, sessile invertebrates and certain types of soft coral if they are not fed properly. Pillow starfish have a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. Caution should be taken with coral and caution should be taken with sessile inverts, and mollusks. Pillow starfish are nocturnal, feedings will be more effective if done in the evenings. Pillow starfish get their name from their thick pillow appearance, in optimal conditions the pillow will be very round and plump. In unideal conditions the pillow will start to flatten more and more. Starfish are regenerative and will grow back an arm if it is lost.