The Astonishing Finding: Rare Starfish Discovered in Croatia
Astropecten platyacanhus is a species of starfish, commonly known as the sand star or flat-bodied starfish. It belongs to the family Astropectinidae and is found in the coastal regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from California to Mexico but it is questionable becouse I found it in Croati island Brač. The sand star has a distinct flattened body with five arms, and its coloration can vary from yellowish to reddish-brown or purple. Like other starfish, it is a marine invertebrate that feeds on small organisms and detritus in the sandy ocean floor.
Astropecten platyacanhus, also known as the sand star or flat-bodied starfish. It inhabits sandy or muddy substrates, particularly in shallow waters ranging from intertidal zones to depths of up to 90 meters (300 feet). These starfish can be encountered in areas with moderate wave action and currents, where they burrow into the sediment to hide and search for food. They are well-adapted to their habitat and use their flattened body shape and tube feet to navigate and move along the sandy or muddy seafloor.
Astropecten platyacanhus, like other starfish, is a carnivorous species. It primarily feeds on small invertebrates and organic matter found in its sandy or muddy habitat. Its diet typically includes small crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other tiny organisms that inhabit the seafloor. The sand star uses its tube feet and specialized structures on the underside of its arms, called pedicellariae, to capture and manipulate its prey. Once caught, it extends its stomach out of its body and engulfs the prey, digesting it externally before retracting its stomach back into its body. This feeding mechanism allows the starfish to consume larger prey than its mouth would normally accommodate.
Astropecten platyacanhus possesses distinctive spines along the superomarginal area of its body. These spines are located on the upper side of the starfish’s arms, running along the outer edge. The superomarginal spines serve multiple functions for the sand star. They provide protection by acting as a physical barrier against potential predators, deterring them from attacking vulnerable areas. Additionally, these spines aid in locomotion and movement, assisting the starfish in navigating the sandy or muddy substrate. The specific shape, size, and arrangement of the superomarginal spines may vary among individuals of Astropecten platyacanhus, but they are a characteristic feature of the species.