Poraniopsis inflata

Poraniopsis inflata, the spiny sea star, is a species of starfish in the family Poraniidae. It is native to the Pacific Ocean and is found in deep water off the coast of North America.

Poraniopsis inflata
Poraniopsis inflata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Asteroidea
Order: Valvatida
Family: Poraniidae
Genus: Poraniopsis
Species:
P. inflata
Binomial name
Poraniopsis inflata
(Fisher, 1906)[1]
Synonyms

Alexandraster inflatus Fisher, 1906

Description

Poraniopsis inflata has a somewhat inflated body and five short arms and grows to a diameter of about 16 centimetres (6.3 in). The aboral surface bears a moderate number of short conical spines with white tips. The skin colour is typically orange but can be brownish-white or white marked with violet.[2][3]

Biology

Poraniopsis inflata feeds on sponges.[4]

Distribution

Poraniopsis inflata is native to the western coast of North America. Its range extends from southeastern Alaska to San Diego, California. It is an uncommon species and is found on rocky substrates in deep water in the Monterey region.[2]

References
  1. Mah, C., Hansson, H. (2013). Mah CL (ed.). "Poraniopsis inflata (Fisher, 1906)". World Asteroidea database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2013-11-06.
  2. "Poraniopsis inflata". SeaNet Subtidal. Hopkins Marine Station. Retrieved 2013-11-06.
  3. "Spiny Sea Star (Poraniopsis inflata)". Megafaunal Invertebrates of the Pacific Continental Shelf. Washington State University. Retrieved 2013-11-06.
  4. Anderson, Roland C.; Shimek, Ronald L. (1993). "A note on the feeding habits of some uncommon sea stars". Zoo Biology. 12 (5): 499–503. doi:10.1002/zoo.1430120512.
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