close
5 Interesting Echinoderms of the Caribbean

5 Interesting Echinoderms of the Caribbean

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
|
Published on July 31, 2014

With crystal clear waters, nearly ten percent of the world’s coral reefs, and an array of marine life, the Caribbean is a paradise for snorkelers, SCUBA divers, and marine biologists alike.  Known for their regenerative ability, echinoderms are common throughout the vast Caribbean sea. Here are five interesting echinoderms that are found in the Caribbean.

Brittle Starfish

Brittle starfish are noted for their extremely long, thin arms which can grow up to two feet each. A brittle star uses its long legs to move across the ocean floor and to capture and hold prey. This type of echinoderm comes in multiple colors, including green, red, yellow, and brown.

Sea Cucumber

Named for their striking resemblance to the garden variety cucumber, sea cucumbers have a leathery, often spotted skin. They have the ability to fit through spaces much smaller than their bodies by manipulating the collagen in their body wall. The sea cucumber is distinctive from other echinoderms as it does not have the usual radiating arms.

Sea Urchin

Also known as sea hedgehogs, sea urchins are found in every ocean in the world and can be red, green, olive, black, purple, or blue. The urchin’s recognizable spikes are a part of its exoskeleton and are used for protection. In humans, expelled urchin spines are not harmful if they are removed quickly.

Sea Lily

A type of chrinoid, the sea lily is attached to the ocean floor by a stalk. From this position, it uses its long feathery arms to feed. Although the sea lily often has more than the usual five arms of an echinoderm, the standard symmetrical pattern of the arms still remains.

Sand Dollar

A type of extremely flattened sea urchin, the sand dollar buries itself in the sand for protection and to feed. While alive, the sand dollar can be purple, blue, green, or yellow. However, if the animal is dead, a bleaching effect takes place and the sand dollar will appear white or beige, which is the form that becomes a treasured souvenir for beachgoers all over the world.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro