Stachelhäute

Gruppe 4: Stachelhäuter

Stachelhäute

Gruppe 4 – Echinodermata: Mit etwa 7.000 bekannten lebenden Arten sind Echinodermata die größte Gruppe von Meerestieren. Man findet sie überall in den Ozeanen, in jedem Temperatur- und Tiefenbereich.

Panamic Cushion Sea Star (Pentaceraster

The Panamic Cushion Sea Star (Pentaceraster cumingi) is a striking marine species native to the Eastern Pacific, particularly the waters off the coast of Central America. Its distinctive pentagonal shape and vibrant coloration make it a standout feature of coral reefs and rocky substrates. This omnivorous sea star plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by consuming algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.

Rose Flower Urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus)

The Rose Flower Urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus) is a stunning marine species found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs. Its name originates from the delicate appearance of its numerous thin, pink or reddish spines that resemble flower petals. These spines serve as both protection and sensory organs. The Rose Flower Urchin is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and small organisms, contributing to reef ecosystem balance.

Pyramid Sea Star (Pharia pyramidata)

The Pyramid Sea Star (Pharia pyramidata) is a captivating marine species found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs. Its unique pyramid-shaped body and vibrant coloration make it an eye-catching inhabitant of tropical waters. As a scavenger, it feeds on detritus and small invertebrates, playing a crucial role in nutrient recycling and ecosystem balance.

Pencil Urchin (Eucidaris thouarsii)

The Pencil Urchin (Eucidaris thouarsii) is a fascinating marine species found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Its cylindrical body is covered in long, slender spines, resembling a cluster of pencils. These spines serve as protection against predators and aid in locomotion. Pencil Urchins are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and detritus, contributing to reef health by controlling algae growth. They play a crucial role in ecosystem balance, serving as prey for various marine organisms.

Brown Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus)

The Brown Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus) is a vital component of marine ecosystems, found in the Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Central and South America. Its cylindrical body, covered in small tube feet, aids in movement across sandy or rocky seabeds. As detritivores, they play a crucial role in nutrient recycling, consuming organic matter and enriching sediment. Brown Sea Cucumbers also contribute to reef health by oxygenating sediments and enhancing water quality.

Black Sea Urchin (Diadema mexicanum)

The Black Sea Urchin (Diadema mexicanum) is a species of sea urchin found along the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America. Known for its striking black spines, it inhabits rocky reefs and kelp forests, typically at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 100 feet. Black Sea Urchins are herbivores, grazing on algae and other organic matter, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star (Acanthaster planci)

The Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star (Acanthaster planci) is a large predatory sea star found in the Indo-Pacific region. Named for its venomous spines arranged in a crown-like pattern, it preys on coral polyps, posing a threat to coral reef ecosystems. While it plays a natural role in controlling coral populations, outbreaks can lead to significant coral reef degradation. Environmental factors such as nutrient runoff and overfishing can exacerbate population explosions. Efforts to control its numbers include manual removal and biological controls.

Blue Sea Star (Phataria unifascialis)

The Blue Sea Star (Phataria unifascialis) is a mesmerizing marine species found in the shallow waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Its distinctive pentagonal shape and vibrant blue coloration make it a standout feature of coral reefs and sandy seabeds. As a detritivore, it plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by consuming decaying organic matter, helping to recycle nutrients and maintain water quality.

Wählen Sie eine Kategorie für Wirbellose

1. Sponges (Porifera)

2. Marine Worms

3. Shells (Mollusca)

4. Spiny Skins (Echinodermata)

5. Segmented Bodies (Arthropoda)

7. Cnidaria. Phylum Cnidaria consists of over 11,000 individual species of aquatic animals, including jellyfish, anemones and corals.

6. Cnidaria

5 Fun Facts - Stachelhäuter

Fun facts Echinodermata

Es gibt fünf Hauptklassen von Stachelhäutern: Asteroidea (Seesterne oder Seesterne), Ophiuroidea (Schlangensterne und Korbsterne), Echinoidea (Seeigel), Holothuroidea (Seegurken) und Crinoidea (Seesterne und Federsterne).

Stachelige Haut: Der Stammname Echinodermata bedeutet „stachelige Haut“, ein Merkmal, das vielen Stachelhäutern gemeinsam ist.

Fünfbeinig: Erwachsene Stachelhäuter sind fünfbeinig, was bedeutet, dass ihr Körper eine Fünf-Punkt-Radialsymmetrie aufweist. Diese Symmetrie ist bei Seesternen, Schlangensternen und Sanddollars offensichtlich. Bei anderen, wie Seeigeln und Seegurken, ist es schwieriger zu erkennen.

Wassergefäßsystem: Alle Stachelhäuter verfügen über ein Wassergefäßsystem, ein Netzwerk von Kanälen, das in der Hauptkörperhöhle beginnt und die vielen Röhrenfüße der Tiere verbindet. Stachelhäuter bewegen sich, indem sie Muskeln kontrahieren und entspannen, die Wasser durch die Kanäle in die Füße drücken und so zum Strecken und Zurückziehen führen.

Regeneration: Viele Stachelhäuter können sich regenerieren und so Arme, Organe oder Stacheln nachwachsen lassen, die sie zur Selbstverteidigung verloren oder durch Raubtiere beschädigt haben. Bei einigen Arten kann ein einzelner abgetrennter Arm zu einem völlig neuen Organismus nachwachsen.

Abwehr: Viele Stachelhäuterarten scheiden Giftstoffe aus. Sie können entweder jederzeit auf der Haut vorhanden sein oder über die Röhrenfüße ausgeschieden werden, wenn der Organismus angegriffen oder bedroht wird.