Benthopectinidae

Benthopectinidae is a family of sea stars containing at least 75 species in eight genera.[1] It is the only family in the monotypic order Notomyotida.

Benthopectinidae
Benthopecten species
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Asteroidea
Superorder: Valvatacea
Order: Notomyotida
Ludwig, 1910
Family: Benthopectinidae
Verrill, 1899
Genera

8, see text

Synonyms
  • Benthopectininae Verrill, 1894
  • Cheirasteridae Ludwig, 1910
  • Pararchasterinae Sladen, 1889

These asteroids are deep-sea dwelling and have flexible arms. The inner dorso-lateral surface of the arms contain characteristic longitudinal muscle bands.[2]

Taxonomy

Nine genera are recognized:[1]

  • Acontiaster Döderlein, 1921
  • Benthopecten Verrill, 1884
  • Cheiraster Studer, 1883
  • Gaussaster Ludwig, 1910
  • Myonotus Fisher, 1911
  • Nearchaster Fisher, 1911
  • Pectinaster Perrier, 1885
  • † Plesiastropecten Peyer, 1944
  • Pontaster Sladen, 1885
  • Pontasterinae Verrill, 1894

References
  1. "The World Asteroidea Database - Benthopectinidae". Marinespecies.eu. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  2. "Asterozoa: Fossil groups: SciComms 05-06: Earth Sciences". Palaeo.gly.bris.ac.uk. 2005-11-22. Archived from the original on 2007-07-14. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.