Spiny Skins

Group 4: Echinodermata

Spiny Skins

Group 4 - Echinodermata: With about 7,000 known living species Echinodermata is the largest phylum of marine animals. They can be found throughout the oceans, in every temperature and depth range.

Panamic Cushion Sea Star (Pentaceraster

The Panamic Cushion Sea Star (Pentaceraster cumingi) is a striking marine species native to the Eastern Pacific, particularly the waters off the coast of Central America. Its distinctive pentagonal shape and vibrant coloration make it a standout feature of coral reefs and rocky substrates. This omnivorous sea star plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by consuming algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.

Rose Flower Urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus)

The Rose Flower Urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus) is a stunning marine species found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs. Its name originates from the delicate appearance of its numerous thin, pink or reddish spines that resemble flower petals. These spines serve as both protection and sensory organs. The Rose Flower Urchin is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and small organisms, contributing to reef ecosystem balance.

Pyramid Sea Star (Pharia pyramidata)

The Pyramid Sea Star (Pharia pyramidata) is a captivating marine species found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs. Its unique pyramid-shaped body and vibrant coloration make it an eye-catching inhabitant of tropical waters. As a scavenger, it feeds on detritus and small invertebrates, playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling and ecosystem balance.

Pencil Urchin (Eucidaris thouarsii)

The Pencil Urchin (Eucidaris thouarsii) is a fascinating marine species found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Its cylindrical body is covered in long, slender spines, resembling a cluster of pencils. These spines serve as protection against predators and aid in locomotion. Pencil Urchins are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and detritus, contributing to reef health by controlling algae growth. They play a crucial role in ecosystem balance, serving as prey for various marine organisms.

Brown Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus)

The Brown Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus) is a vital component of marine ecosystems, found in the Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Central and South America. Its cylindrical body, covered in small tube feet, aids in movement across sandy or rocky seabeds. As detritivores, they play a crucial role in nutrient recycling, consuming organic matter and enriching sediment. Brown Sea Cucumbers also contribute to reef health by oxygenating sediments and enhancing water quality.

Black Sea Urchin (Diadema mexicanum)

The Black Sea Urchin (Diadema mexicanum) is a species of sea urchin found along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America. Known for its striking black spines, it inhabits rocky reefs and kelp forests, typically at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 feet. Black Sea Urchins are herbivores, grazing on algae and other organic matter, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star (Acanthaster planci)

The Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star (Acanthaster planci) is a large predatory sea star found in the Indo-Pacific region. Named for its venomous spines arranged in a crown-like pattern, it preys on coral polyps, posing a threat to coral reef ecosystems. While it plays a natural role in controlling coral populations, outbreaks can lead to significant coral reef degradation. Environmental factors such as nutrient runoff and overfishing can exacerbate population explosions. Efforts to control its numbers include manual removal and biological controls.

Blue Sea Star (Phataria unifascialis)

The Blue Sea Star (Phataria unifascialis) is a mesmerizing marine species found in the shallow waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Its distinctive pentagonal shape and vibrant blue coloration make it a standout feature of coral reefs and sandy seabeds. As a detritivore, it plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by consuming decaying organic matter, helping to recycle nutrients and maintain water quality.

Choose an Invertebrate Category

1. Sponges (Porifera)

2. Marine Worms

3. Shells (Mollusca)

4. Spiny Skins (Echinodermata)

5. Segmented Bodies (Arthropoda)

7. Cnidaria. Phylum Cnidaria consists of over 11,000 individual species of aquatic animals, including jellyfish, anemones and corals.

6. Cnidaria

5 Fun Facts - Echinodermata

Fun facts Echinodermata

There are five main classes of echinoderms: Asteroidea (Starfish or sea stars), Ophiuroidea (brittle stars and basket stars), Echinoidea (sea urchins), Holothuroidea (Sea cucumbers) and Crinoidea (crinoids and feather stars).

Spiny skin: The phylum name Echinodermata means "spiny skin", which is a feature common to many echinoderms.

Pentamerous: Adult echinoderms are pentamerous, meaning their body has five-point radial symmetry. This symmetry is obvious with starfish, brittle stars and sand dollarss. In others, like sea urchins and sea cucumbers, it is more difficult to recognize.

Water vascular system: All echinoderms have a water vascular system, which is a network of canals that starts at the main body cavity and connects to the animals many tube feet. Echinoderms move by contracting and releasing muscles that push water through the canals and into the feet, causing to extend and retract.

Regeneration: Many echinoderms can regenerate, able to regrow arms, organs or spines lost in self-defense or damaged by predators. In some species, a single severed arm can regrow into and entirely new organism.

Defense: Many species of echinoderms secrete toxins. They can either be present on the skin at all times or can be excreted through the tube feet when the organism us attacked or threathened.