![]() The planktonic larvae will be completely developed but will lose their buoyancy, settle and metamorphose in sea grass beds within 23 days at 23 degrees C. In more tropical areas where water temperatures are high nine months out of the year, there is asynchronous spawning year round (Guzman and Guevara 2002). Oreaster reticulatus have separate sexes and reproduce annually in summer in subtropical regions. Throughout the Caribbean (and the tropics worldwide) these habitats are threatened by shoreline alteration, pollution, destructive and unsustainable fishing practices, and, for coral reefs especially, the impacts of ocean warming and acidification Reproduction In Belize, Mangrove and fringing reefs, like dense sea grass beds, may provide a protective environment for recruits that undergo an ontogenic shift to adult habitats, such as sand flats, as they mature reproductively (Scheibling and Metaxas 2010). This species prefers a more course, calcareous sandy bottom that is surrounded by tall grass. Larvae and juveniles are usually found in sea grass beds (Guzman and Guevara 2002). Adult Oreaster reticulatus are usually found in calm shallow waters (depths from 1 - 37 m) and more commonly occur on calcareous sandy bottoms (Anderson 1978, Guzman and Guevara 2002). The cushioned star occurs in the eastern and western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil and Cape Verde Islands in western Africa. Individuals of this species can grow up to 50 cm in diameter. Robust body and arms along with its bumpy appearance gives the impression of a pin cushion. This gives the organism more protection in its environment. ![]() A characteristic plating of calcium carbonate is found in the skin of cushion stars and knobby spines on top. ![]() The juveniles are mottled green in color that affords them camouflage in their sea grass bed refuge (Scheibling 1980a). The color of adult cushioned stars can be brown, orange, red, or yellow. Skin color may come in several different colors in order to camouflage itself from predators in the sea. These tube feet are connected to a water vascular system that is used for movement, nutrient distribution, waste management, and respiration. Tube feet located under the arms possess small suckers. ![]() Unlike the brittle star, there is no defined body. Cushion stars may have four, five, or six arms. Like most Echinoderms, the cushion star has a five point radial symmetry. The cushion star is an invertebrate, therefore possess no spinal column. ![]()
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