Asthenosoma
Asthenosoma is a genus of sea urchins belonging to the family Diadematidae. They are commonly known as “feather stars” due to their distinctive long, feathery spines. These sea urchins are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region.
Characteristics
Asthenosoma species are characterized by their large size and prominent, often brightly colored spines. Their spines are long, thin, and flexible, resembling feathers. These spines are venomous, with the ability to inject a toxin that can cause pain and swelling. The body of the sea urchin is covered in a thin, leathery skin, and the mouth is located on the underside of the body, surrounded by five jaws.
Environments
Asthenosoma sea urchins are typically found in shallow, rocky reefs and coral communities. They are also known to inhabit seagrass beds and sandy bottoms. They are primarily nocturnal, hiding during the day and emerging at night to feed.
Notable Species
Several species of Asthenosoma are recognized, including:
- Asthenosoma varium
- Asthenosoma ijimai
- Asthenosoma marisrubri
- Asthenosoma pellucida
References
For more information about Asthenosoma, you can consult the following reliable references: