Calliaster baccatus

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Cobbled starfish
Calliaster baccatus 2037.jpg
Calliaster baccatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Echinodermata
Class:
Asteroidea
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
C. baccatus
Binomial name
Calliaster baccatus
Sladen, 1889[1]

Calliaster baccatus, the cobbled starfish, is a species of starfish in the family Goniasteridae.[2]

Description[]

The cobbled starfish is a large brick-coloured starfish which grows up to 200mm across. Its central area is covered with coarse granules and its upper arms are edged with large squarish tiles which may be smooth or have protruding granules. The tiles on the outer edged of the arms usually have protruding granules.

Distribution[]

It is only found from Lamberts Bay to Port Elizabeth on the South African coast, in 9-23m. It appears to be endemic to this area.

Ecology[]

This starfish is found on rocky reefs, mostly along the sandy margins. Its food and reproductive habits are unknown.

References[]

  1. ^ http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=213263 accessed 18 July 2012
  2. ^ Clark A. & Courtman-Stock J. 1976. The Echinoderms of South Africa British Museum (Natural History) London ISBN 0-565-00776-9
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