Asteropsis carinifera
(Lamarck, 1816)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
Asteropsis carinifera is a starfish with an outstanding camouflage pattern. It is typically light in color with darker, irregular patches of green, brown and purple red. The spines on the aboral sides contribute often to the camouflage but in some specimen are brightly colored. This species is cryptic during the day, hiding between boulder and underneath rocks which makes it particularly difficult to find.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
Although rare, specimens have been found both in the Arabian Sea (Salalah, Masirah) but also in the Sea of Oman (Muscat). The rarity is likely the results of the cryptic habit of the species.
Worldwide this species is found from SE Arabia to Hawaii.
Worldwide this species is found from SE Arabia to Hawaii.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
Asteropsis carinifera is very cryptic both because of its coloration but also because of its habit to hide during the day under rocks and within the reef. Several unusual compounds have been identified from this species recently.