Mithrodia fisheri is a species of starfish belonging to the family Mithrodiidae. It is a relatively common and widely distributed species found in various marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
Mithrodia fisheri is characterized by its distinctive star-shaped body with five arms. The arms are relatively short and stout, tapering towards their tips. The surface of the starfish is covered in numerous small, spiny tubercles, giving it a rough texture. The color of Mithrodia fisheri varies depending on its location, with individuals ranging from pale gray to reddish-brown. This species can grow to a maximum size of approximately 10 cm in diameter.
Habitat and Occurrence
Mithrodia fisheri is typically found in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, inhabiting rocky shores, reefs, and seagrass beds. Its distribution extends across various marine zones, including the neritic zone, which encompasses the coastal waters of the continental shelf. This species is particularly prevalent in temperate and tropical regions of the world, with a wide geographic range that spans the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Taxonomy
Mithrodia fisheri is classified within the Class: Asteroidea, Order: Valvatida, and Family: Mithrodiidae. The Asteroidea class encompasses all starfish, while the Valvatida order is characterized by its members’ five-armed bodies and the presence of pedicellariae, small pincer-like structures that serve defensive and cleaning functions. The Mithrodiidae family is a relatively small group of starfish with distinctive features that distinguish them from other families within the Valvatida order.
Feeding
Mithrodia fisheri is an opportunistic predator, feeding primarily on various invertebrates, including crustaceans, mollusks, and other echinoderms. Its diet is influenced by the availability of prey within its habitat. The starfish uses its arms and tube feet to capture and manipulate its food, using its mouth to ingest prey.
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