Cobbled starfish
| cobbled starfish | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Calliaster baccatus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Asteroidea |
| Order: | Valvatida |
| Family: | Goniasteridae |
| Genus: | Calliaster |
| Species: | C. baccatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Calliaster baccatus Sladen, 1889[1] | |
The cobbled starfish, Calliaster baccatus, is a species of starfish in the family Goniasteridae.[2]
Description
The cobbled starfish is a large brick-coloured starfish which grows up to 200mm across. Its central area is covered with coarse granules and its upper arms are edged with large squarish tiles which may be smooth or have protruding granules. The tiles on the outer edged of the arms usually have protruding granules.
Distribution
It is only found from Lamberts Bay to Port Elizabeth on the South African coast, in 9-23m. It appears to be endemic to this area.
Ecology
This starfish is found on rocky reefs, mostly along the sandy margins. Its food and reproductivbe habits are unknown.
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Calliaster baccatus oral surface
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Calliaster baccatus, aboral surface
References
- ↑ http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=213263 accessed 18 July 2012
- ↑ Clark A. & Courtman-Stock J. 1976. The Echinoderms of South Africa British Museum (Natural History) London ISBN 0-565-00776-9
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