''Calliaster baccatus'', the cobbled starfish, is a
species
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate s ...
of
starfish
Starfish or sea stars are star-shaped echinoderms belonging to the class Asteroidea (). Common usage frequently finds these names being also applied to ophiuroids, which are correctly referred to as brittle stars or basket stars. Starfish ...
in the
family
Family (from la, familia) is a Social group, group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or Affinity (law), affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its ...
Goniasteridae
Goniasteridae (the biscuit stars) constitute the largest family of sea stars, included in the order Valvatida. They are mostly deep-dwelling species, but the family also include several colorful shallow tropical species.
Description
Goniast ...
.
[Clark A. & Courtman-Stock J. 1976. ''The Echinoderms of South Africa'' British Museum (Natural History) London ]
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
Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsew ...
to this area.
Ecology
This starfish is found on rocky reefs, mostly along the sandy margins. Its food and reproductive habits are unknown.
File:Calliaster baccatus P3164675.JPG, ''Calliaster baccatus'' oral surface
File:Calliaster baccatus P3164673.JPG, ''Calliaster baccatus'', aboral surface
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q3203848
Goniasteridae
Starfish described in 1889