Description
The Heffernan's Starfish, scientifically known as Celerina heffernani, is a species of marine echinoderm in the family Ophidiasteridae. It is characterized by its slender, tapering arms, and a body covered in small, granular plates. Specifically, it can be distinguished from similar species like Fromia monilis by the presence of short, distinct spikes along the arm groove. The abactinal surface (upper side) of the starfish is covered in small plates, ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm in diameter, and these plates are densely covered in granules.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Appearance: Celerina heffernani has five long, slender arms that taper gradually.
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Size: The rays (arms) can be approximately 40 mm long, with a central disc radius of about 7 mm.
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Plates and Granules: The upper surface is covered in small plates, which are densely granular. Some of the larger plates are convex and more prominent than the smaller surrounding plates.
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Superomarginal Plates: These plates run along the sides of the arms and are arranged in an irregular series, with alternating larger and smaller plates. The larger ones are strongly convex, while the smaller ones are almost flat.
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Habitat: This starfish is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region.
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Distinguishing Features: The presence of distinct spikes along the arm groove is a key characteristic that helps differentiate it from Fromia monilis.
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Other Names: It's also known as the Pebbled Sea Star.
