The cushion star is a sea star that gets its common name from its inflated, pillow-like appearance. This species lives on coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, and its species name (Culcita novaeguineae) reflects its discovery and commonness in New Guinea. Juveniles look like typical sea stars, but as the cushion star grows, it becomes more inflated and the arms grow together, eventually reaching a point where they are almost no longer discernible. On the underside, however, the cushion star clearly shows its five-part symmetry, particularly near the mouth.