Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body star-shaped with 5 arms that taper to a point; color reddish brown or gray; sides of arms with marginal plates (upper and lower), upper plates protrude slightly above middle of arms, lower plates protrude slightly beyond upper plates; the area in between the upper plates at the base of the arms is about twice the width of the upper plates; surface of plates granular; the 2 upper marginal plates between the arms (and sometimes surrounding plates) bear a tubercle spine on the inner edge of the upper surface, many times the spines are worn down; lower plates and underside plates with many small spinules (very fine spines) that are somewhat flattened and blunt at the tips; the mouth plates on the underside covered with small blunt spines; small round plate (madreporite) on upper surface between arms and center of disc with squiggly folds. |
Similar Species |
The marginal plates helps distinguish this family of sea stars. The spines on the inter-arm plates (when present) distinguish this species from others of its genus. |
Habitat |
Gulf, sandy or soft sediments. |
Maximum Size |
20 cm (8 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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