Astropecten latespinosus is a species of starfish belonging to the family Astropectinidae. It is a common and widely distributed species, often found in a variety of marine habitats.
Description & Characteristics
Astropecten latespinosus is characterized by its five-pointed, star-shaped body. Its arms are relatively long and slender, tapering towards the tips. The dorsal surface of the starfish is covered in small, granular ossicles, giving it a rough texture. The color of Astropecten latespinosus can vary depending on the location and individual, ranging from pale gray to reddish brown. Astropecten latespinosus can reach a maximum size of about 15 centimeters in diameter.
Habitat and Occurrence
Astropecten latespinosus is found in a variety of marine habitats, including sandy bottoms, mudflats, and seagrass meadows. It is particularly common in the intertidal zone and subtidal zone, inhabiting depths ranging from the surface to about 100 meters. Astropecten latespinosus is typically found in the neritic zone, a marine zone characterized by relatively shallow waters that extend from the shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf. This species is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, occurring in areas like the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean.
Taxonomy
Astropecten latespinosus is classified within the Class Asteroidea, the class that encompasses all starfish. It belongs to the Order Paxillosida, which includes starfish characterized by having smooth, granular surfaces and lacking pedicellariae, specialized pincer-like structures found on some starfish. Within this order, it belongs to the Family Astropectinidae, a family of starfish known for their flattened bodies, long and narrow arms, and a distinct madreporite, a sieve-like structure involved in water circulation.
Feeding
Astropecten latespinosus is a carnivorous predator, feeding primarily on mollusks such as clams, snails, and mussels. It uses its strong arms to pry open the shells of its prey and then extends its stomach into the shell to digest the soft tissues. Astropecten latespinosus also plays an important role in the marine ecosystem as a scavenger, feeding on dead and decaying organisms.
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