Information Reference: uncertainty around N. pedicelligera

The uncertainty of the difference between the two species Nectria pedicelligera and Nectria multispina stems from the comments made by Reef Life Survey to demote Nectria multispina and combine it's records as Nectria pedicelligera

https://reeflifesurvey.com/breaking-nectria-cases-decrease/

This is for general information given Nectria multispina is not recorded from Tasmania and such should be identified as Nectria pedicelligera

Nectria pedicelligera is another of the common Nectria seastars found around southern Australia and is sometimes confused with Nectria ocellata.

There is also some uncertainty surrounding Nectria pedicelligera and Nectria multispina. The two have traditionally been treated as separate species, although some reports suggest that N. multispina may actually represent N. pedicelligera. This has created some confusion when interpreting and recording observations.

As N. multispina is not currently reported from Tasmanian waters, records from Tasmania are best treated as Nectria pedicelligera under the currently available information.

At a glance

Habitat Can be found amongst rocks and algae in subtidal areas out to a depth of around 20m
Size Can grow up to around 24cm across
Origin Endemic
Distribution Southern Australia including around Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
Southern Australia including around Tasmania
Habitat
Can be found amongst rocks and algae in subtidal areas out to a depth of around 20m
Size
Can grow up to around 24cm across
Common Name Seastar sp.
Aliases No Known Aliases
Origin Endemic
Conservation Not evaluated
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Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumEchinodermata
ClassAsteroidea
OrderValvatida
FamilyGoniasteridae
GenusNectria
SpeciesNectria pedicelligera
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Fri 2 Oct 2026 @ 11:21 AM
Updated Mon 5 Oct 2026 @ 10:36 AM
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.