 |
|
|
sea
stars text index | photo
index
|
| Phylum Echinodermata > Class Stelleroida > Subclass Asteroidea |
| Crown
sea star Asterina coronata Family Asterinidae updated Dec 08 Where seen? This little sea star is sometimes seen, usually under stones at the mid-water line, or on coral rubble on our Northern shores. Sometimes it may be seen wandering among seaweeds far from the midwater line, especially at night. In some locations at some times of the year, they can be found in large numbers, but usually well spaced apart. Features: Diameter with arms 3-5cm. A plump sea star (not flat) with short fat semi-cylindrical arms that have rounded tips. The upper surface has tiny holes through which short stubby transparent finger-like structures (papulae) emerge. Underneath, in grooves under the arms, are somewhat long slender tube feet that end in suckers. It can stick its 'stomach' out of its mouth. Colours plain or mottled beige, brown or grey. Sometimes, bright orange ones are seen! It appears to 'carry' bits of debris. Tiny brittle stars and tiny snails are sometimes seen on the underside. |
 Pulau Sekudu, Jul 06  |
 |
 Underside |
 Stubby papulae stick out on the upper surface. |
Crown sea stars on Singapore shores
 Changi, Jul 06  It appears to 'carry' debris. |
 Changi, Jul 06  It can stick its stomach out of its mouth. |
 Pulau Sekudu, Jul 06  Tiny brittlestars and snails on the underside. |
 Chek Jawa, Jul 05 |
 |
 Stubby papulae on the upperside. |
 |
 |
 Long tube feet on the underside. |
References
|
|
|