Sthenaster
Species of starfish
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sthenaster emmae is a species of deep sea corallivorous (preys on deep-sea corals) sea star. It is the only known species in the genus Sthenaster. This species in particular is found in the tropical Atlantic.[1]
| Sthenaster | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Asteroidea |
| Order: | Valvatida |
| Family: | Goniasteridae |
| Subfamily: | Hippasterinae |
| Genus: | Sthenaster Mah, Nizinski & Lundsten, 2010 |
| Species: | S. emmae |
| Binomial name | |
| Sthenaster emmae Mah, Nizinski & Lundsten, 2010 | |
Description
Sthenaster emmae has five arms, a triangular outline, actinal intermediate plates, abactinal plates, ranges from 42mm - 45mm wide, and is usually an orange color. On the actual intermediate plates, there are poorly developed teeth. In contrast, on each abactinal plate, there are about 9 to 12 interlocking teeth per valve present.[1]
Habitat
Sthenaster emmae was first found off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida and 250-501 meters outside of the ocean banks in Savannah, Georgia.[1] At the Savannah Banks, Sthenaster emmae are found on hard rock substrate, where various sponges, corals, coral rubble, and gorgonians also share that habitat.[1]
