Sthenaster emmae

Sthenaster emmae is a species of deep sea corallivorous (preys on deep-sea corals) sea star. It is the only known species in its genus. This species in particular is found in the tropical Atlantic.[1]

Sthenaster emmae
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Echinodermata
Class:
Asteroidea
Order:
Valvatida
Family:
Goniasteridae
Subfamily:
Hippasterinae
Genus:
Sthenaster
Species:
Sthenaster emmae

Mah, Nizinski & Lundsten, 2010


Description

The 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, the Sthenaster emmae are found on hard rock substrate, where various sponges, corals, coral rubble, and gorgonians also share that habitat.[1]

References
  1. Mah, Christopher; Nizinski, Martha; Lundsten, Lonny (2010). "Phylogenetic revision of the Hippasterinae (Goniasteridae; Asteroidea): systematics of deep sea corallivores, including one new genus and three new species". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 160 (2): 266–301. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.2010.00638.x. ISSN 0024-4082.

Further reading
  • Mah, Christopher L. "A new Atlantic species of Evoplosoma with taxonomic summary and in situ observations of Atlantic deep-sea corallivorous Goniasteridae (Valvatida; Asteroidea)." Marine Biodiversity Records 8 (2015): e5.


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