Benthopectinidae
Order of starfishes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Benthopectinidae is a family of sea stars containing at least 75 species in eight genera.[1] It is the only family in the monotypic order Notomyotida.
| Benthopectinidae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Benthopecten species | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Asteroidea |
| Superorder: | Valvatacea |
| Order: | Notomyotida Ludwig, 1910 |
| Family: | Benthopectinidae Verrill, 1899 |
| Genera | |
|
8, see text | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
These asteroids are deep-sea dwelling and have flexible arms. The inner dorso-lateral surface of the arms contain characteristic longitudinal muscle bands.[2] Eight genera of deep-water species make up the majority of the family benthopectinidae, and many of its members are expected to have a greater range than is currently recognized.[3]
Taxonomy
Nine genera are recognized:[1]
- Acontiaster Döderlein, 1921
- Benthopecten Verrill, 1884
- Cheiraster Studer, 1883
- Gaussaster Ludwig, 1910
- Myonotus Fisher, 1911
- Nearchaster Fisher, 1911
- Pectinaster Perrier, 1885
- † Plesiastropecten Peyer, 1944
- Pontaster Sladen, 1885