Amphiura filiformis is a brittle star species found in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a common inhabitant of various marine environments, particularly those associated with soft sediments. This species plays a vital role in benthic ecosystems, contributing to the food web and the cycling of nutrients.
Description & Characteristics
Amphiura filiformis is a relatively small brittle star, typically reaching a maximum size of around 5 cm in diameter. Its body is disc-shaped, with five long, slender arms that extend from the central disc. The arms are covered in small, overlapping scales, and they taper towards the tips. The color of Amphiura filiformis can vary depending on its habitat, but it is typically a pale brown or gray.
Habitat and Occurrence
Amphiura filiformis is a benthic species, meaning it lives on or in the seafloor. It is commonly found in soft sediments, such as mud, sand, and gravel, and can tolerate a wide range of depths, from the intertidal zone to over 1000 meters. This species is particularly prevalent in the North Atlantic Ocean, where it inhabits the neritic zone, which is the shallow water zone that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Amphiura filiformis belongs to the Class Ophiuroidea, which encompasses brittle stars, a diverse group of echinoderms. It is further classified within the Order Amphilepidida, a group known for its complex arm articulation and diverse feeding strategies. This species is part of the Family Amphiuridae, a large family characterized by their slender, flexible arms.
Feeding
Amphiura filiformis is a deposit feeder, meaning it consumes organic matter from the sediment. It uses its long, flexible arms to sift through the sediment and collect food particles, such as algae, bacteria, and small invertebrates. These food particles are then transported to the mouth, located on the underside of the central disc. Amphiura filiformis plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem, contributing to the recycling of nutrients and the decomposition of organic matter.
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