Astropectinidae
Astropectinidae is a family of starfish, commonly referred to as sea stars, that belongs to the order Paxillosida. This family comprises around 100 species, found predominantly in marine habitats worldwide. They are characterized by their flat, pentagonal bodies, often with distinct arms, and possess a unique feeding method that involves using their tube feet to manipulate food and bring it to their mouths.
Common Names
Astropectinidae are commonly known as sand stars or starfish due to their sand-dwelling habits and distinct star-like shape.
Characteristics
Astropectinidae exhibit the following key characteristics:
- Flat, pentagonal bodies: Their bodies are typically flat and star-shaped, with five distinct arms radiating outwards from a central disc.
- Spiny skin: The surface of their bodies is covered in small, spiny ossicles, which provide protection and aid in locomotion.
- Tube feet: Astropectinidae have numerous tube feet on their underside, which are used for locomotion, feeding, and attachment.
- Mouth on underside: Their mouth is located on the underside of the central disc, surrounded by a ring of small, pointed teeth.
- Variety of colors: Members of this family exhibit a diverse range of colors, including brown, gray, red, orange, and yellow.
Environments
Astropectinidae are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Shallow coastal waters: They are often found in sandy and muddy bottoms, where they feed on invertebrates like worms, mollusks, and crustaceans.
- Deep-sea environments: Some species of Astropectinidae have adapted to survive in deeper waters, even reaching depths of several thousand meters.
References
For more information about Astropectinidae, refer to the following resources: