[1] Adults are usually found on sandy bottoms and coral rubble at depths of up to 37 metres (121 ft) while juveniles inhabit seagrass meadows where their colouring helps provide camouflage.

[3] In the winter, the red cushion star migrates to offshore locations with little water movement in order to avoid turbulence.

[3] The red cushion star is an omnivore and feeds on the seabed sediment and the epiphytic algae, sponges and small invertebrates it finds there.

Edible sponge species are chosen in preference to other prey and tend to be eliminated from areas where the starfish abound.

Large numbers of individuals may collect together in one location at breeding time with densities sometimes reaching fourteen per square metre (yard).