Kingdom Animalia Family Asterinidae Scientific name Patiriella regularis Rank Species | Class Asteroidea Genus Patiriella Phylum Echinodermata Order Valvatida | |
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Similar Patiriella, Asterinidae, Parvulastra exigua, Patiriella calcar, Coscinasterias | ||
Patiriella regularis righting
Patiriella regularis, or New Zealand common cushion star, is a sea star of the family Asterinidae, endemic to New Zealand. It has an arm spread of up to 60 mm.
Contents
It was introduced into waters in south east Tasmania where they have become well established. There is a concern that they may be an invasive species.
It breeds in Janurary all the way to March. Once fertilised, it will take 9-10 weeks for them to grow from larve.
Research
Research has shown that there is a genetic variance in Patiriella regularis from the North and South of New Zealand. Researchers assume that geographic barriers, and coastal upwellings, might keep various types of Patiriella regularis from being able to spread or comingle.
References
Patiriella regularis Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA