Archaster
Archaster is a genus of starfish in the family Archasteridae. They are commonly known as “five-rayed starfish” due to their distinctive pentagonal shape. Archaster species are found in various marine environments, particularly in shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
Characteristics
Archaster starfish are characterized by their:
- Five arms: The defining feature of the genus, giving them a star-shaped appearance.
- Smooth skin: Their skin is generally smooth and lacks the prominent spines found in some other starfish species.
- Small size: Archaster starfish are typically small, rarely exceeding a few centimeters in diameter.
- Varied coloration: Colors can range from pale beige to deep reddish-brown, often with patterns and markings.
Environment
Archaster starfish are common inhabitants of shallow, sandy, or muddy bottoms in coastal areas. They are often found in coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and intertidal zones. Their preference for these habitats is likely due to the abundance of their food sources, which include small invertebrates like worms, mollusks, and crustaceans.
References
For more information on Archaster, please refer to the following resources: