The Goose Foot Starfish – Anseropoda placenta is a fascinating and distinctive species of starfish found in the coastal waters of the world. Its unique appearance, with its elongated, pointed arms, distinguishes it from other starfish species.
Description & Characteristics
The Goose Foot Starfish, Anseropoda placenta, is a small to medium-sized starfish, with a maximum size of around 10 cm. It is known for its five long, slender, pointed arms that resemble the foot of a goose, hence its common name. The body is typically covered in small, granular ossicles (bony plates) that give it a rough texture.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Goose Foot Starfish – Anseropoda placenta – is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, typically inhabiting rocky shores, reefs, and sandy bottoms. Its distribution extends across various marine zones, including the intertidal zone (the area between high and low tides), the subtidal zone (below the low tide mark), and the neritic zone (the shallow waters over the continental shelf).
Taxonomy
The species Anseropoda placenta is classified within the Asteroidea class, which comprises all starfish species. It belongs to the Valvatida order and the Asterinidae family, a group known for its small to medium-sized starfish with generally five arms.
Feeding
The Goose Foot Starfish – Anseropoda placenta – is a predatory species that feeds on a variety of invertebrates, including crustaceans. It uses its arms to capture and manipulate its prey, bringing it to its mouth where it is consumed.
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