The Royal Tile Starfish, Ghardaqa Sea Star, scientifically known as Fromia ghardaqana, is a captivating marine invertebrate renowned for its striking appearance and unique adaptations.
Description & Characteristics
Fromia ghardaqana is a relatively small starfish species, reaching a maximum size of approximately 10 centimeters in diameter. Its body, or disc, is typically flattened and circular with five distinct arms that radiate outwards. The upper surface, or aboral surface, of the starfish is adorned with a mosaic of small, raised, and often bumpy plates, giving it a distinctive, tile-like appearance. The color patterns of Fromia ghardaqana are diverse, ranging from vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds to more muted browns and greys, often with intricate patterns and contrasting bands.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Royal Tile Starfish, Ghardaqa Sea Star, Fromia ghardaqana, demonstrates a remarkable ability to thrive in a wide range of marine environments. It is commonly found in the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth. This makes Fromia ghardaqana a prevalent presence in these neritic ecosystems. These diverse habitats provide a rich source of food and shelter for this fascinating species.
Taxonomy
Fromia ghardaqana belongs to the Class: Asteroidea, which encompasses all starfish species. It further belongs to the Order: Valvatida, a group of starfish known for their five-rayed symmetry and typically having a central disc. Finally, it is classified within the Family: Goniasteridae, a diverse family that includes a wide range of starfish species with distinctive features, such as their often rigid and often armored body forms.
Feeding
The Royal Tile Starfish, Ghardaqa Sea Star, Fromia ghardaqana, is a food specialist, exhibiting an omnivorous feeding strategy. It is known to consume a variety of food sources, including algae, detritus, and small invertebrates. This dietary flexibility allows Fromia ghardaqana to thrive in diverse marine environments, contributing to its widespread distribution.
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