Common Names
Goniasteridae are commonly known as "starfish", "sea stars", or "goniastrids".
Characteristics
Goniasteridae are characterized by:
- Five or more arms (rays) that are often short and thick
- A central disk that is relatively large
- A smooth or granular surface with small, scattered spines
- A variety of colors, including red, orange, brown, and gray
- A variety of sizes, from a few centimeters to over 20 centimeters in diameter
Environments
Goniasteridae are found in a variety of marine habitats, including:
- Rocky shores
- Coral reefs
- Sandy bottoms
- Deep-sea environments
They play an important role in marine ecosystems as predators, scavengers, and detritivores.
References
