Patiriella

Patiriella
Patiriella littoralis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Asteroidea
Order: Valvatida
Family: Asterinidae
Genus: Patiriella
Verrill, 1913
Type species
Asterina regularis
Verrill, 1867
Species

5 species (see text)

Patiriella is a genus of sea stars of the family Asterinidae. Many species formerly included in this genus have been transferred to other genera (Cryptasterina, Meridiastra, and Parvulastra).[1][2] They are commonly known as carpet sea stars.

The genus is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, primarily around Australia and the south-west Pacific. They occur in shallow waters down to a depth of about 92 m (302 ft).[2]

Description and characteristics

Patiriella are sea stars with five or rarely six rays (arms). The shape ranges from subpentagonal to having short, discrete rays. The interradial margin is straight to incurved. They are medium-sized, with Patiriella regularis reaching a radius of 39 mm (1.5 in). Patiriella regularis can rarely show fissiparity.[2]

Species

There are five recognized species:[1]

Patiriella regularis

References

  1. ^ a b Mah CL, ed. (2023). "Patiriella Verrill, 1913". World Asteroidea database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  2. ^ a b c O’Loughlin, P. Mark & Waters, Jonathan M. (2004). "A molecular and morphological revision of genera of Asterinidae (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)". Memoirs of Museum Victoria. 61 (1): 1–40. doi:10.24199/j.mmv.2004.61.1.


Stub icon

This article about a starfish is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.