Pelagothuriidae
| Pelagothuriidae | |
|---|---|
| Enypniastes eximia | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Holothuroidea |
| Order: | Elasipodida |
| Family: | Pelagothuriidae Ludwig, 1893[1] |
| Type genus | |
| Pelagothuria Ludwig, 1893
| |
| Genera | |
| |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Pelagothuriidae is a family of deep-sea swimming Sea cucumber. Members of this family are morphologically distinct from other sea cucumbers, possessing numerous appendages such as conical papillae and leaf-like tentacles. Most members of the order inhabit deep-sea environments, including species such as Enypniastes, and are benthopelagic, living in the water column just above the sea floor.[3]
The species Pelagothuria natatrix is unique within the family as the only true pelagic holothurian, capable of surviving in open water and exhibiting jellyfish-like characteristics. It is also the only known true pelagic echinoderm.
Classification
Family: Pelagothuriidae
- genus Enypniastes Théel, 1882
- genus Pelagothuria Ludwig, 1893
References
- ^ Ludwig, Herbert (1893). Vorläufiger Bericht über die erbeuteten Holothurien. In: Reports on the Dredging Operations off the West Coast of Central America to the Galapagos, etc., by the U. S. Fish Commission Steamer "Albatross". IV. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoölogy at Harvard College. 24(4): 105-114.
- ^ WoRMS (2020). Pelagothuriidae Ludwig, 1893. Accessed at: http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=123193 on 2020-03-28
- ^ Mah, Christopher (September 18, 2012). "Deep-Sea Swimming Sea Cucumbers and the "most bizarre holothurian species in existence"!". The Echinoblog.
Further reading
- Barnes, Robert D. (1982). Invertebrate Zoology. Philadelphia, PA: Holt-Saunders International. p. 995. ISBN 0-03-056747-5.