Echinometridae
Echinometridae is a family of sea urchins in the order Camarodonta. They are commonly known as “slate-pencil urchins” due to the easily-breakable, brittle test (shell) of most species. The family is distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters.
Characteristics
Echinometridae are characterized by their relatively small, often flattened test, which is typically covered in short, stout spines. The spines are often brightly colored, and they can be used for defense, locomotion, and feeding. The mouth of the urchin is located on the underside of the test, and it is surrounded by five teeth that are used for scraping algae and other food from surfaces.
Echinometridae have a unique feature called a "peristome," a circular area around the mouth that is surrounded by a ring of five paired plates. These plates are modified into special structures called "buccal podia," which are small, flexible appendages that help the urchin to move food into its mouth.
Environments
Echinometridae are found in a variety of marine habitats, including rocky shores, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. They are often found in areas with strong currents and wave action, and they are well adapted to living in these challenging environments.
Many species of Echinometridae are herbivores, feeding on algae and other plant material. Some species are also known to scavenge on dead animals.
Genera
The family Echinometridae contains the following genera:
- Echinometra
- Echinostrephus
- Heterocentrotus
- Mespilia
- Tripneustes
References
For more information on Echinometridae, please visit the following websites: