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sea
stars text index | photo
index
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| Phylum Echinodermata > Class Stelleroida > Subclass Asteroidea |
| Cryptic
sea star Cryptasterina sp. Family Asternidae updated Dec 08 Where seen? This little sea star hides under stones near the mid-water mark. At low tide it clamps tight to the surface almost like a limpet. It is seen on some parts of Pulau Semakau and also at Lazarus Island. Features: Diameter with arms (3-4cm). Its arms are so short that it appears almost pentagonal. Clamping tight to the surface, the body is sometimes in a hump in the centre. The upper surface has tiny holes through which short stubby transparent finger-like structures (papulae) emerge when it is submerged. Underneath, in grooves under the arms, are short tube feet that end in suckers. Colours plain or mottled beige, brown or grey that camouflages it perfectly with the underside of the stone. |
 Pulau Semakau, May 08 |
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 Stubby papulae stick out on the upper surface |
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 Underside |
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Cryptic sea stars on Singapore shores
 Several found under a stone. Pulau Semakau, May 08 |
 Closer look at one clamped up against the surface. |
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 Pulau Semakau, Dec 08 |
References
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