Jewel Star

Pentagonaster pulchellus

Pentagonaster pulchellus, commonly referred to as the Jewel Star, is a starfish endemic to New Zealand. It is frequently found in the Cook Strait and along the coasts of the South Island, with additional records from the Chatham Islands and the Campbell Plateau down to the Snares Islands. This species is known for its colorful appearance, exhibiting shades of red, orange, brown, or silvery purple on its dorsal surface, which is covered in hard, smooth plates that form convex, oval-shaped shields at the arm tips. The ventral side features a patterned mesh of white over light grey, complemented by yellow tube feet. Divers can identify this species by its distinctive coloration and unique plate structure, setting it apart from other starfish in the region. The Jewel Star inhabits various environments, including seaweed beds, rocky and muddy bottoms, typically from the low intertidal zone down to depths of 300 meters. Most occurrences are found shallower than 110 meters, with a significant portion at depths less than 40 meters. This starfish feeds on small invertebrates and is known to breed in its natural habitat. Encounters with the Jewel Star during dives can be rewarding, as divers may observe its colors and unique morphology resting on the seafloor or among seaweed. The IUCN category for this species is not stated in the sources, and it is common across multiple dive sites in New Zealand, making it a familiar sight for divers exploring these underwater ecosystems.