Calliaster baccatus

Calliaster baccatus, the cobbled starfish, is a species of starfish in the family Goniasteridae.[2]

Cobbled starfish
Calliaster baccatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Echinodermata
Class:
Asteroidea
Order:
Valvatida
Family:
Goniasteridae
Genus:
Calliaster
Species:
C. baccatus
Binomial name
Calliaster baccatus
Sladen, 1889[1]

Description

The cobbled starfish is a large brick-coloured starfish which grows up to 200mm across. Its central area is covered with coarse granules and its upper arms are edged with large squarish tiles which may be smooth or have protruding granules. The tiles on the outer edged of the arms usually have protruding granules.

Distribution

It is only found from Lamberts Bay to Port Elizabeth on the South African coast, in 9-23m. It appears to be endemic to this area.

Ecology

This starfish is found on rocky reefs, mostly along the sandy margins. Its food and reproductive habits are unknown.

  • Calliaster baccatus oral surface
  • Calliaster baccatus, aboral surface
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References
  1. http://marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=213263 accessed 18 July 2012
  2. Clark A. & Courtman-Stock J. 1976. The Echinoderms of South Africa British Museum (Natural History) London ISBN 0-565-00776-9
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