Orange Finger Starfish - Echinaster sepositus
The Orange Finger Starfish, scientifically known as Echinaster sepositus, is commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. They occur in the coastal regions of: Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Turkey, Portugal, the Canary Islands, the Azores and from Morocco to Senegal.
Its natural habitat includes rocky substrates, seagrass beds, and shallow coastal waters, typically at depths ranging from a few meters to about 200 meters (although it’s more commonly found in shallower waters). They play an important role in the marine ecosystem as predators, feeding on small invertebrates and detritus.
Taxonomy
Echinaster sepositus, commonly known as the Orange Finger Starfish, belongs to the kingdom Animalia and phylum Echinodermata. The phylum Echinodermata encompasses a diverse group of marine animals characterized by several distinctive features.
- Pentaradial Symmetry: Meaning their bodies are organized into five symmetrical parts or multiples of, radiating from a central axis. This is why starfish have a star like appearance.
- Spiny Skin: Most echinoderms have a spiny or prickly skin, which may be covered with calcareous ossicles or spines. These structures provide protection against predators.
- Water Vascular System: Echinoderms have a unique hydraulic system called the water vascular system. This is a network of fluid-filled canals. Water enters the starfish body through a pore on its surface known as the madreporite, is pumped through the network and leaves via the arms. This system aids in locomotion and respiration and feeding.
- Tube Feet: Tube feet are small, muscular projections extending from the body surface of echinoderms. They are operated by hydraulic pressure from the water vascular system and are used for locomotion, attachment, feeding, and sensory functions.
- Regenerative Abilities: Many echinoderms have remarkable regenerative capabilities, allowing them to regenerate lost body parts, such as arms or even entire bodies, under certain conditions.
Orange Finger Starfish are further subdivided into: class Asteroidea, order Valvatida and family Asterinidae. Within the family Asterinidae, it is classified under the genus Echinaster