A peppermint sea star in a soft coral tree near the Seychelles

© Norbert Wu/Minden Pictures

A peppermint sea star in a soft coral tree near the Seychelles

This colourful marine creature is found in soft coral beds throughout the Indian Ocean and South Pacific. It’s usually called a tile sea star or necklace sea star. These names refer to the pattern and colour of the sea star’s skin – which isn’t always red and white. But some divers who’ve spotted the red and white specimens can’t resist calling them peppermint sea stars. We’re pretty sure they do not taste like candy canes.