Echinoptilidae
The Echinoptilidae are a family of brittle stars, echinoderms belonging to the order Ophiurida. They are characterized by their slender, whip-like arms and often small, disk-shaped central bodies. This family contains approximately 35 species.
Common Names
Members of the Echinoptilidae are commonly known as "whip stars" due to their long, flexible arms that resemble whips.
Characteristics
The defining features of Echinoptilidae include:
- Slender, elongated arms: Their arms are significantly longer than their central disk, giving them a whip-like appearance.
- Small, disk-shaped central body: The central body is typically small and flattened, often covered in small, granular scales.
- Well-developed, fragile arms: Their arms are delicate and easily broken, a characteristic common to many brittle stars.
- Absence of lateral arm plates: Unlike some other brittle stars, they lack lateral arm plates.
Environments
Echinoptilidae are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Deep-sea: Many species inhabit the deep ocean, often on soft sediments.
- Shallow waters: Some species are found in shallower waters, especially those with rocky or coral reefs.
- Tropical and temperate regions: Their distribution ranges across both tropical and temperate waters.
References
For further information on Echinoptilidae, please refer to these reliable sources: