Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has collaborated with the Smithsonian Museum, the National Research Agency, the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, and the National Museum of Nature and Science to describe a new species of sea star in a new genus. We can now present the world’s first live exhibit of this species.

≪チュラウミゴカクヒトデ (New species in a new genus)≫
Scientific name：Churaumiastra hoshi

　On March 2021, we described a new species of sea star in a new genus based on a specimen collected with a remotely operated vehicle off of Okinawa Island. The survey was conducted by Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and its Japanese name Churaumigokakuhitode reflects this connection and its pentagonal body. Its scientific name Churaumiastra hoshi means the star of Churaumi sea, and this will be used by researchers worldwide.

This species of sea star is extremely rare and lives at depths from 100 to 250 meters in the Philippines, Australia, and Okinawa. Its body is star-shaped, flattened, and with only small bumps on its surface. It has well-developed bony plates along its five arms. Its maximum radius (from the center of its body to the tip of an arm) is around 6 cm. This species has been found with some variations in body color.
 

Surveys conducted with Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium’s remotely operated vehicle have captured valuable ecological images and collected live specimens. We could confirm it lives in the shade in rocky reef areas near octocorals on which many sea stars feed.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, through rearing and surveys will continue to shed light on the ecology of this species and the biodiversity of creatures in the waters surrounding Okinawa Prefecture.

Place of exhibit

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium "Small Life in the Deep Sea"

Exhibit duration

January 29th 2024～　
*Exhibit may close depending on the condition of the animals.

Number of exhibit

5 individuals