''Metrodira subulata'' 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 ...
Echinasteridae
The Echinasteridae are a family of starfish in the monotypic order Spinulosida. The family includes eight genera and about 133 species found on the seabed in various habitats around the world.
Taxonomy
Echinasteridae contains eight genera and ...
. It is found on the seabed in shallow parts of the Indo-Pacific region.
Description
''Metrodira subulata'' has long, slender tapering arms. The aboral (upper) surface has many granulations and large pores. The margins have a row of smooth plates and there are short spines at the junctions of the plates. The colour of the aboral surface is yellowish brown. The spines are red, which contrasts with the sombre body colour and is considered an
aposematic
Aposematism is the advertising by an animal to potential predators that it is not worth attacking or eating. This unprofitability may consist of any defences which make the prey difficult to kill and eat, such as toxicity, venom, foul taste or ...
trait.
References
Echinasteridae
Starfish described in 1840
{{asteroidea-stub