Xyloplax janetae

Xyloplax janetae is a Xyloplax of the family Xyloplacidae. It lives on the surface of wood sunken to abyssal depths.[1]

Xyloplax janetae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Asteroidea
Order: Peripodida
Family: Xyloplacidae
Genus: Xyloplax
Species:
X. janetae
Binomial name
Xyloplax janetae
(Christopher L. Mah, 2006)[1]

Morphology

Xyloplax janetae is a flattened disk, from 2–10 millimetres (0.079–0.394 in) in diameter, and about 4 millimetres (0.16 in) thick. It has adambulacral spines which are spines that project radially from the margin of the animal, of distinct morphology. On its dorsal (abactinal surface) it has many projecting abactinal spines whose morphology is distinct from the adambulacral spines.

Habitat and behaviour

Xyloplax janetae is a bathyal abyssal species, meaning it is found in the deepest part of the open ocean. It has only been found clinging to sunken wood.

Feeding

Xyloplax janetae is found clinging to sunken wood, where it feeds on the bacteria which decay the wood.

References
  1. Mah, Christopher L. (Spring 2006). "A new species of Xyloplax (Echinodermata: Asteroidea: Concentricycloidea) from the northeast Pacific: comparative morphology and a reassessment of phylogeny" (PDF). Invertebrate Biology. 125 (2): 136–153. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.500.8249. doi:10.1111/J.1744-7410.2006.00048.X.
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