Clypeaster australasiae, also known as the Clypeaster Australasiae, is a species of sea urchin belonging to the family Clypeasteridae. These fascinating creatures are easily recognized by their flattened, disc-shaped bodies, often resembling a coin or a small plate.
Description & Characteristics
Clypeaster australasiae typically grows to a maximum size of around 10 cm in diameter. The upper surface of their test (the hard outer shell) features a prominent, raised central area known as the apical disc. Surrounding this disc are five pairs of ambulacral grooves, which are channels that run along the test and house the tube feet used for locomotion and feeding. The test is covered in small, spiny tubercles that provide protection and grip.
Habitat and Occurrence
Clypeaster australasiae are typically found in shallow, sandy habitats in the intertidal and subtidal zones. They are particularly common in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the coasts of East Africa to the Pacific islands. They are often found in marine zones characterized by warm, tropical waters.
Taxonomy
The species Clypeaster australasiae belongs to the Class: Echinoidea, Order: Clypeasteroida, and Family: Clypeasteridae. The Echinoidea class encompasses a diverse group of marine invertebrates, including sea urchins, sand dollars, and heart urchins. The Clypeasteroida order is characterized by their flattened, disc-shaped bodies, while the Clypeasteridae family specifically includes species with a more or less circular test.
Feeding
Clypeaster australasiae are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter, such as algae, dead animals, and other detritus. They use their tube feet to gather food particles from the sediment and transport them to their mouths. Their feeding activities contribute to the recycling of nutrients within their marine ecosystems.
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