Luidiidae
Luidiidae is a family of sea stars in the order Paxillosida. These starfish are commonly known as sand stars or sand-starfish. Members of this family are characterized by their flattened, often disc-shaped body with a smooth, leathery texture. They possess numerous small, often inconspicuous spines and lack obvious arms or rays. The Luidiidae family is globally distributed, with species found in a wide range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deeper depths.
Common Names
Members of the Luidiidae family are commonly known as "sand stars" or "sand-starfish" due to their characteristic flattened shape and preference for sandy habitats.
Characteristics
Luidiidae sea stars possess several distinctive features, including:
- Flattened, Disc-Shaped Body: They have a broad, flattened body, often resembling a disc with a small, central disc.
- Smooth, Leathery Texture: Their body surface is smooth and leathery, lacking the prominent bumps or spines found in other sea star families.
- Small, Inconspicuous Spines: They possess numerous small, often inconspicuous spines that cover their body.
- Absence of Arms or Rays: Unlike many other sea stars, Luidiidae members do not have distinct arms or rays.
- Tube Feet: They have numerous tube feet along their ventral surface, which they use for movement and feeding.
- Variety of Colors: Luidiidae species exhibit a range of colors, from pale beige and brown to reddish-brown and even purplish tones.
Environments
Luidiidae sea stars are found in a variety of marine environments, including:
- Shallow Coastal Waters: They can inhabit intertidal zones and shallow subtidal areas.
- Sandy Substrates: They typically prefer sandy bottoms, where they bury themselves partially in the sediment.
- Deep Sea Environments: Some species are found in deeper waters, extending to the abyssal zone.
References
For more information on Luidiidae, refer to the following reliable sources: