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Nardoa novaecaledoniae is usually found in low energy reef environments. These stars are found extensively throughout the back reef, however do occur in small numbers on the reef crest (Boyer 2011). The majority of the population is usually found in waters around 1.5 m in depth and on a raised benthos (Fenner 2011).
Within the reefs surrounding Heron Island Australia, N.novaecaledoniae can be found on varying substrates. The star is usually associated with heads of coral, or outcrops of macro algae or coral rubble. Few stars were observed on sand substrate and it was predicted that these stars were moving between habitats.
The nature of the stars tissue aids foraging in confined areas, as it is able to manipulate its body into obscure positions. This ability also allows the star to hide deep within Acropora corals for protection against predators and on the reef crest to avoid high wave energy.
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