Diving Guru | Marine Life | Echinoderms
Explore the Fascinating Echinoderms of Our Waters
Echinoderms are a group of marine animals known for their radial symmetry and often spiny skins. This diverse phylum includes sea stars, sea urchins, brittle stars, and more. Found across the world’s oceans, these unique creatures play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Whether clinging to rocks, burrowing in sand, or moving gracefully across the seafloor, echinoderms are a sight to behold for divers. Let’s dive into some of the most common echinoderms you might encounter in our waters.
Here’s a preview of some fascinating species you may encounter:
- Common Starfish – Asterias rubens Bright orange or red starfish frequently seen on rocky or sandy seabeds.
- Fragile Star – Ophiothrix fragilis A delicate, slender brittle star characterized by its long, thin arms and a pale yellow or blue color.
- Common Brittle Star – Ophiura ophiura: A starfish relative, often seen hiding under rocks and in crevices.
- Sea Urchin – Echinus esculentus A spiny echinoderm often found on rocky reefs and kelp forests.
- Common Sea Cucumber – Holothuria forskali An elongated echinoderm found on the seabed, feeding on detritus.
Discover More About Echinoderms in Our Blog
Each of these incredible species brings its own unique traits and behaviors to the underwater environment. Visit our blog for detailed information on how to find these fascinating creatures during your next dive, their role in the ecosystem, and fun facts about their biology and behaviors.