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31 Oct
World’s smallest seastar found at Museum Victoria
World’s smallest seastar found at Museum Victoria
Measuring less than 5 millimetres, Museum Victoria scientists have found the world’s smallest seastar, named the ‘Paddle-spined seastar’.
Scientists at Museum Victoria have called it the “Paddle-spined seastar” after the fringe of plates around each arm, which are they believe are used to help the animal nestle in seaweed and prevent it being swept away by waves. This species is currently being described by Museum Honorary Associate Mark O’Loughlin and visiting Research Associate Milena Benavides from Columbia.
This tiny new specimen lives hidden amongst algae and sponges in Port Phillip Bay and along the Victorian coastline. Like some larger seastars, the Paddle-spined seastar can divide into two pieces, which each half regrowing into a complete animal.
“We are very excited by this world-first find for Museum Victoria. Because of its small size it has been completely overlooked until now,” explained Dr Tim O’Hara, Senior Curator, Marine Invertebrates, Museum Victoria.
“Not much else is known about this cryptic creature and we look forward to conducting further research,” he added.
Museum Victoria’s marine biology team conduct world-class research on the ecology, evolution and bio-geography of various components of the marine fauna of southern Australia and elsewhere in the southern oceans, playing a leading role in providing information about the evolutionary history and biodiversity of Australia’s marine fauna.
This unique find will be featured in the upcoming Museum Victoria’s Field Guide series. A comprehensive guide for the amateur and professional naturalist, An Introduction to Marine Life is the first title in a series of Museum Victoria field guides to be produced throughout 2007 – 2008. Other titles in marine life series will include Crabs, Hermit Crabs and Allies, Shrimps, Prawns and Lobsters, Barnacles and Sea Spiders.
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November 16th, 2007 at 11:10 pm