Benthopectinidae Explained

Benthopectinidae is a family of sea stars containing at least 75 species in eight genera.^[1] It is the only family in the monotypic order Notomyotida.

These asteroids are deep-sea dwelling and have flexible arms. The inner dorso-lateral surface of the arms contain characteristic longitudinal muscle bands.^[2] Eight genera of deep-water species make up the majority of the family benthopectinidae, and many of its members are expected to have a greater range than is currently recognized.^[3]

Taxonomy

Nine genera are recognized:^[1]

• Acontiaster Döderlein, 1921
• Benthopecten Verrill, 1884
• Cheiraster Studer, 1883
• Gaussaster Ludwig, 1910
• Myonotus Fisher, 1911
• Nearchaster Fisher, 1911
• Pectinaster Perrier, 1885
• † Plesiastropecten Peyer, 1944
• Pontaster Sladen, 1885

Notes and References

1. Web site: The World Asteroidea Database - Benthopectinidae . Marinespecies.eu . 2010-07-30 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031211/http://www.marinespecies.eu/asteroidea/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=123126 . 2016-03-04 .
2. Web site: Asterozoa: Fossil groups: SciComms 05-06: Earth Sciences . Palaeo.gly.bris.ac.uk . 2005-11-22 . 2010-07-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070714073619/http://palaeo.gly.bris.ac.uk/Palaeofiles/Fossilgroups/asteroz2/index_f/mod_fm.html . 2007-07-14 . dead .
3. Shin. (2015). A New Record of Sea Star Genus Nearchaster (Asteroidea: Notomyotida: Benthopectinidae) from East Sea, Korea. Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity, 31(2), 135–138. https://doi.org/10.5635/ASED.2015.31.2.135