Echinocardium pennatifidum, commonly referred to as the “heart urchin,” is a species of sea urchin belonging to the family Loveniidae. It is a burrowing species commonly found in sandy sediments and is characterized by its distinctive heart-shaped body.
Description & Characteristics
Echinocardium pennatifidum is typically 3-5 centimeters in diameter, with a maximum size of 8 centimeters. Its body is heart-shaped, with a flattened underside and a more rounded dorsal surface. The test, or shell, is covered in spines that are relatively short and blunt. The spines are typically a grayish-brown color, blending in with the surrounding sediment.
Habitat and Occurrence
Echinocardium pennatifidum is a common inhabitant of soft-bottom sediments, particularly sandy substrates. It is typically found in depths ranging from the intertidal zone to depths of around 100 meters. These sea urchins are widely distributed in temperate and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the eastern coast of North America and the western coast of Europe.
Echinocardium pennatifidum is a frequent inhabitant of the neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal waters extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. This zone is characterized by its relatively shallow depths and diverse marine life. Echinocardium pennatifidum is often found in areas with moderate wave action and a steady supply of organic matter.
Taxonomy
Echinocardium pennatifidum belongs to the Class: Echinoidea, Order: Spatangoida, and Family: Loveniidae. The Echinoidea class encompasses all sea urchins, characterized by their spherical or disc-shaped bodies and movable spines. The Spatangoida order, which includes Echinocardium pennatifidum, comprises heart urchins, characterized by their flattened, heart-shaped bodies and specialized feeding apparatus. The Loveniidae family comprises a diverse group of heart urchins, often found in sandy or muddy sediments.
Feeding
Echinocardium pennatifidum is a deposit feeder, consuming organic matter found in the sediment. It utilizes its tube feet, which are small, delicate appendages that extend from the body, to gather and transport food particles to its mouth. Echinocardium pennatifidum plays a significant role in the marine ecosystem by helping to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients in the sediment.
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