Sthenaster | |
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Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Echinodermata |
Class: | Asteroidea |
Order: | Valvatida |
Family: | Goniasteridae |
Subfamily: | Hippasterinae |
Genus: |
Sthenaster Mah, Nizinski & Lundsten, 2010 |
Species: | S. emmae
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Binomial name | |
Sthenaster emmae Mah, Nizinski & Lundsten, 2010
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Sthenaster emmae is a species of deep sea corallivorous ( preys on deep-sea corals) sea star. It is the only known species in the genus Sthenaster. This species in particular is found in the tropical Atlantic. [1]
Sthenaster emmae has five arms, a triangular outline, actinal intermediate plates, abactinal plates, ranges from 42mm - 45mm wide, and is usually an orange color. On the actual intermediate plates, there are poorly developed teeth. In contrast, on each abactinal plate, there are about 9 to 12 interlocking teeth per valve present. [1]
Sthenaster emmae was first found off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida and 250-501 meters outside of the ocean banks in Savannah, Georgia. [1] At the Savannah Banks, Sthenaster emmae are found on hard rock substrate, where various sponges, corals, coral rubble, and gorgonians also share that habitat. [1]