©Lyle Vail and Anne Hoggett: Fromia indica at South Island. Note the fine even granulation on the plates and the double row of marginal plates on the arm in the foreground.
©Anne Hoggett and Lyle Vail: Fromia indica . The marginal plates are not obvious when viewed from directly above.
Colours
Distinguishing features
This is one of the most common small (largest radius less than 50 mm) starfish living in reef habitats at Lizard Island. It ranges in color from orange/brown to bright red. The edge of the body is defined by marginal plates that decrease gradually in size along the arms. On the upper surface, deep furrows (appearing as dark lines) between the plates are noticeable. Some plates are much larger than others and all have fine, even granulation.
Localities and habitats
Fromia indica is found all around the island group, usually exposed in reef habitats.
Size
- Up to 10 cm (Diameter)
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Behaviour
We have observed spawning congregations of this species during the day in winter and early spring. Individuals climb to a high point and stand on their arm tips to shed eggs or spawn (photos below).
Web resources
References
References that assist with identification
- Marsh and J. Fromont, L.M. (2020). Field Guide to shallow water seastars of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.
Other references
- Clark, A.M. and F.W.E. Rowe (1971). Monograph of shallow-water Indo-west Pacific echinoderms British Museum (Natural History), London.
- Guenther, J. (2007). Natural antifouling defences of tropical sea stars, Ph.D. thesis, James Cook University. LIRS catalog number 1131.