Euretaster cribosus
(von Marten, 1867)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
One of the unmistakable species in Oman. It is bright red and seemingly covered with a fleshy mesh. It is uncommon and only two specimens so far have been observed near Muscat (Daymaniyat Islands).
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
So far, Euretaster cribosus has only been found at two occasions near the main island (Jasirah Kabir) of the Daymaniyat Islands.
It was found around 8m in depth.
There are 3 described species, perhaps synonymous, E. cribosus and E. insignis, the former found on the western border of the Indian Ocean, the other in the Indo-Pacific. The last species, E. attenuatus seem to be restricted to New Caledonia.
Everywhere, the distribution of this species appear sporadic, uncommon if not rare.
It was found around 8m in depth.
There are 3 described species, perhaps synonymous, E. cribosus and E. insignis, the former found on the western border of the Indian Ocean, the other in the Indo-Pacific. The last species, E. attenuatus seem to be restricted to New Caledonia.
Everywhere, the distribution of this species appear sporadic, uncommon if not rare.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
Rare, it should not be disturbed or collected . The netting that cover the aboral surface of this species, the supra-dorsal membrane, is a unique adaptation. It creates a cavity on the aboral side of the animal, the nidamental cavity, that they can inflate and deflate through a peri-anal opening creating thus a “breathing” current between the two layers of tissues. The space between the two epidermal layers is filled with papillae that increase the respiratory surface. This netting functions thus like a breathing system.
Genetically, these species are also very close to the unusual, and presumed very primitive Xyloplax. A minute deep water species of starfish so different from all others that it was originally attached to a new class of Echinoderms: Concentricycloidea.
The reproduction of this species is also very strange. The larvae develop in the nidamental cavity and feed on a mucus excreted by the epidermis of the sea star. When they reach around 1 cm, they are freed onto the reef: almost like kangaroos.
Genetically, these species are also very close to the unusual, and presumed very primitive Xyloplax. A minute deep water species of starfish so different from all others that it was originally attached to a new class of Echinoderms: Concentricycloidea.
The reproduction of this species is also very strange. The larvae develop in the nidamental cavity and feed on a mucus excreted by the epidermis of the sea star. When they reach around 1 cm, they are freed onto the reef: almost like kangaroos.