Amphiodia
Amphiodia is a genus of brittle stars belonging to the family Amphiuridae. These echinoderms are commonly found in marine environments worldwide, with many species inhabiting shallow coastal areas. Brittle stars are characterized by their five long, slender arms, which are easily broken off and regenerate. They are active predators, using their arms to capture small prey, and are important members of benthic communities, playing a role in nutrient cycling and sediment movement.
Common Names
The common names for Amphiodia species are not widely used. However, some species are known as "brittle stars" or "serpent stars," reflecting their characteristic fragile arms.
Characteristics
Amphiodia brittle stars exhibit the following characteristics:
- Five slender, flexible arms, typically long and whip-like.
- Central disk, which is the body of the brittle star, usually small and flattened.
- Tube feet, which are small, sucker-like appendages on the underside of the arms, used for locomotion and feeding.
- Spines, which are sharp, pointed structures that cover the arms and central disk, providing protection and assisting in burrowing.
Environments
Amphiodia species are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Shallow coastal waters, such as sandy beaches, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs.
- Deep-sea environments, where they may inhabit sediments or attach to rocks.
They are generally found in areas with moderate wave action and currents, where they can easily move and capture food.
References
For more information on Amphiodia, refer to the following websites: