Skujaster

Skujaster is a genus of sea stars belonging to the family Asterinidae. These small sea stars are typically found in deeper waters. They are characterized by their small size, typically less than a few centimeters in diameter, and their flattened bodies. The number of arms can vary slightly between species, but is usually five or six. They are often cryptic in their habits, hiding amongst rocks and sediment. The genus name Skujaster reflects a combination of "Skua", referring to the Antarctic research vessel Skua (after which the original specimen was collected), and "Aster," a common suffix for starfish genera.

The biology of Skujaster is not fully understood, but like other asterinids, they are likely to be opportunistic feeders, grazing on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. Their small size and cryptic nature make them challenging to study, and further research is needed to fully understand their role in marine ecosystems. They are distributed in specific regions, particularly in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters. Specific species descriptions and locations are critical for correct identification within the genus.