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Sea Urchin (Echinus esculentus) – Zeeappel Taxonomy: The Sea Urchin belongs to the Echinodermata phylum. This group includes starfish and sea cucumbers. The name “Echinus” means “spiny” in Greek, which reflects their appearance. Species: The common sea urchin, Echinus esculentus, is well-known for its round, spiny shell. It can grow up to 10 cm in…
Edible Crab (Cancer pagurus) – Krab Taxonomy: The Edible Crab is part of the Cancridae family, known for their robust, oval bodies and powerful claws. Species: Commonly found in European waters, especially in the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It can grow up to 25 cm across. Reproduction: Females carry thousands of eggs under…
Velvet Swimming Crab (Necora puber) Taxonomy: The Velvet Swimming Crab belongs to the Portunidae family, known for its swimming abilities and sharp claws. Its scientific name is Necora puber. Species: This crab species is easily recognizable by its bright red eyes and velvet-like texture on its shell. Reproduction: Velvet Swimming Crabs reproduce by releasing eggs…
Sea Grape (Molgula manhattensis) – Zeedruif Taxonomy: The Sea Grape is a type of tunicate in the Molgulidae family. These sea creatures are also known as “sea grapes” due to their appearance. Species: Molgula manhattensis is the primary species referred to as Sea Grape. It is a common tunicate found along the eastern coast of…
Tunicates (Sea Squirts) – Ascidiacea Class Taxonomy: Tunicates belong to the Ascidiacea class within the Chordata phylum. They are closely related to vertebrates, sharing a notochord during their larval stage. Species: Over 3,000 species of tunicates exist. They range in size from tiny millimeters to large, football-sized creatures. Some live in colonies, while others are solitary. …
Fragile Star – Ophiothrix fragilis (Brokkelster) Taxonomy: The Fragile Star belongs to the Ophiuroidea class. This class is known for its arm regeneration and unique body structure, distinguishing them from other echinoderms. Species: Ophiothrix fragilis is the most recognized species, often found in shallow waters. Reproduction: They reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the…
Sea Dahlia – Urticina felina Taxonomy: The Sea Dahlia (Urticina felina) belongs to the class “Anthozoa”. Which is part of the phylum Cnidaria. This phylum also includes corals and sea anemones. The name “Urticina” derives from Latin. Meaning “nettles” or “stinging”. Reflecting the anemone’s stinging cells. Species: Urticina felina is a solitary sea anemone found in the…
Common Starfish – Asterias rubens – Zeester Taxonomy: Starfish belong to the class Asteroidea. Which is part of the phylum Echinodermata. This phylum also includes sea urchins, sand dollars and sea cucumbers. The name Asteroidea is derived from the Greek word for “star,” which reflects their star-shaped body. Species: There are approximately 1,900 known species…
Cuttlefish (Sepiida) – Sepia Taxonomy: Cuttlefish belong to the Sepiida order within the class Cephalopoda, which also includes squid and octopuses. Their name is derived from the Latin word cuttle bone. Referring to the internal shell, they possess. Species: There are around 120 recognized species of cuttlefish. With sizes ranging from just a few centimeters to…
Seahorse (Hippocampus) – Zeepaardje Taxonomy: The Seahorse belongs to the *Syngnathidae* family, which includes pipefish and seadragons. Their name means “fused jaws,” referring to their tube-like snouts. Species: Over 40 recognized species, ranging from 1.5 cm (dwarf seahorse) to 35 cm (big-bellied seahorse). Reproduction: Males carry and give birth to the young; pregnancy lasts 10…
