Echinasteridae
Echinasteridae is a family of starfish, belonging to the order Valvatida. It is a diverse family with about 100 species described, most of which are found in the Indo-Pacific region. These starfish are characterized by their five-pointed star shape, often with elongated arms, and a variety of vibrant colors.
Common Names
Members of the Echinasteridae family are commonly known as spiny starfish or sand stars, though these names are not universally used for all species.
Characteristics
Echinasteridae starfish possess several key characteristics:
- Five-pointed star shape: The body is generally shaped like a five-pointed star, with arms radiating out from a central disc.
- Elongated arms: The arms are often elongated and may be flexible or rigid, depending on the species.
- Spines: The surface of the body is covered in spines, which can vary in size and shape.
- Vibrant colors: Echinasteridae starfish are often brightly colored, with shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple being common.
- Tube feet: Like all starfish, they possess tube feet along the underside of their arms, which they use for locomotion and feeding.
- Pedicellariae: These are small, pincer-like structures that are found on the surface of the body and help with defense and cleaning.
Environment
Echinasteridae starfish are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical marine environments. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, sandy bottoms, seagrass meadows, and rocky shores. Some species are found at depths of up to 100 meters or more.
References
For further information on the Echinasteridae family, refer to the following resources: