CRYPSIS

G. watsoni was observed to be a highly cryptic species. Found in small cracks and crevices on coral rubble and rock, the seastar has much to gain by utilising cryptic behaviour. The structural components and rigidity of coral and rocks provide excellent refuge frompredators, making them less visible and therefore optimise their chance of escape from fast-moving visual predators (Drolet et al. 2004). Such habitat complexity also provides shelter from harsh conditions, desiccation and predation risk.