Loveniidae
Loveniidae is a family of sea urchins in the order Camarodonta. They are characterized by their distinctive flattened, disc-shaped bodies and short, blunt spines. Members of this family are found in the deep ocean, typically on soft bottoms like mud or sand. They are generally small in size, with most species reaching a diameter of only a few centimeters. Loveniidae is a relatively small family, with only 16 described species belonging to 5 genera.
Common Names
Loveniidae are not commonly known by any specific common names. They are typically referred to by their scientific name.
Characteristics
Members of the Loveniidae family share several defining characteristics:
- Flattened, disc-shaped body: This shape is distinct from the more spherical bodies of other sea urchin families.
- Short, blunt spines: The spines are typically short and rounded, giving the urchins a somewhat bumpy appearance.
- Small size: Most Loveniidae species are relatively small, with adults rarely exceeding 5 centimeters in diameter.
- Lack of a peristomial membrane: The mouth of Loveniidae urchins lacks a membrane surrounding the oral opening, a feature shared with other Camarodonta urchins.
Environments
Loveniidae species are exclusively found in the deep sea, inhabiting environments with depths ranging from 100 meters to over 4,000 meters. They prefer soft bottoms like mud and sand, where they burrow and feed on detritus and small organisms.
References