Sympodium

Sympodium is a genus of sea stars belonging to the family Goniasteridae. They are commonly known as cushion stars due to their distinctive rounded, cushion-like shape. These starfish are found in various marine environments, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region.

Xenia – Sympodium gibbaeum

Soft Coral – Sympodium caeruleum

Characteristics

Sympodium species are characterized by their five-pointed radial symmetry and their relatively flat, cushion-like bodies. They typically have short, stout arms, which are often covered in spines or tubercles. The aboral (upper) surface of their body is usually covered in a variety of ossicles, which are small, bony plates that provide support and protection. Sympodium stars possess a unique feature called pedicellariae, small pincer-like structures that are found on their spines and body surface. These pedicellariae are used for defense and to help clear the surface of the star of debris.

Environments

Sympodium species inhabit a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and sandy bottoms. They are generally found in shallow waters, but some species can occur at depths of up to 100 meters. Sympodium stars are often found among algae and other marine organisms, where they feed on a variety of invertebrates.

Notable Species

There are several notable species within the Sympodium genus. These include:

  • Sympodium cinereum
  • Sympodium diadema
  • Sympodium epilobum
  • Sympodium inerme
  • Sympodium laeve
  • Sympodium mirabile

References

For more information about Sympodium species, you can consult the following resources: