Its life cycle includes the release of large-yolked eggs and the development of planktonic larvae which is in contrast to the very similar Cryptasterina hystera which is viviparous.

There are papulae in a row along the edge of the rays and scattered over the aboral (upper) surface, which is covered by spiky granulations.

[3] Cryptasterina pentagona is native to the tropical Indo-Pacific regions of Indonesia, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Japan and the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia.

This involves the release by the female of buoyant, golden, yolky eggs, which are fertilised externally, and the development of brachiolaria larvae.

These new juveniles have two pairs of tube feet on each ray and are an amber colour, indicating that they still have yolk reserves on which to feed.