species: Astropecten polyacanthus in taxonomy (Lizard Island Field Guide)
Astropecten polyacanthus


©Anne Hoggett: Astropecten polyacanthus at night, Watson's Bay, Lizard Island, off Chinaman's Ridge, 16 metres depth.

©Anne Hoggett: Detail of upper surface of Astropecten polyacanthus at night, Watson's Bay, Lizard Island, off Chinaman's Ridge, 16 metres depth (specimen 2).

©Anne Hoggett: Pointed tube feet of Astropecten polyacanthus at night, Watson's Bay, Lizard Island, off Chinaman's Ridge, 16 metres depth (specimen 2).
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Echinodermata
Class Asteroidea
Order Paxillosida
Family Astropectinidae
Genus Astropecten
Species Astropecten polyacanthus

Colours

         

Distinguishing features

A five-armed starfish capable of quick movement. Tube feet pointed, without a terminal disc. Arms lined with long spines arising from the inferomarginal plates. Superomarginal plates also with spines, two longer ones in the interradii then a gap of one or two plates with no spines, then each plate has a spine.

Size

  • Up to 12 cm (Diameter of Lizard Island specimens)

Depth range

  • Depth range data is not yet available.

Synonyms

Similar taxa

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution

Web resources

References

References that assist with identification

  • Marsh, L.M. and J. Fromont (2020). Field Guide to shallow water seastars of Australia. Western Australian Museum, Perth.