Rows of pale-coloured tube feet that end in points rather than suction pads, are visible on the sides of the arms and the oral (lower) surface.

[2] This starfish could be confused with some other member of the Luidia genus, particularly L. savignyi, but that species is spiny whereas L. maculata is smooth.

Its usual habitat is muddy sand on the floor of lagoons, but it may also be found on other soft sediments and in seagrass beds.

Unlike some related species which practice external digestion, it draws its prey inside its mouth to consume.

[2] Other dietary items include sea cucumbers, brittle stars, bivalves, snails, crustaceans and worms.