Prof. Dr. Greg Rouse, USA
Info
Every year, the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) nominates ten remarkable new marine species.
We will introduce these marine species one by one, starting with the starfish Caymanostella scrippscognaticausa.
Caymanostella scrippscognaticausa is currently only known from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, where the species was discovered at a depth of 990–1010 meters and possibly at greater depths.
You can see some great photos in the description under “Further links.”
Why is a starfish the Animal of the Year 2024? It's just an ordinary starfish, isn't it?
What many people don't know is that much of the deep seabed resembles a desert where food is scarce and life is sparse. However, when branches, tree trunks, or even entire trees sink to the seabed, underwater oases are created, hotspots for life, including the newly described Scripps family of wood-dwelling starfish.
Unlike the familiar starfish found in tidal pools, these unusual starfish have developed some remarkable adaptations to life on sunken wood.
Their bodies are flattened, their mouths are enlarged to maximize close contact with their woody home, and they have special spines that help them hold on.
Despite their obvious connection to wood waste, one big mystery remains: what do they eat?
Scientists are not yet sure whether these starfish feed directly on the wood or hunt other animals or microbes that settle on the decaying wood.
What is clear, however, is that they are part of a highly specialized community that depends on the decomposition of wood in the deep sea.
Etymology:
Caymanostella scrippscognaticausa was named in honor of the younger members of the Scripps family, “Cousins for Causes,” who generously support marine research.
Discoveries like these show how much we still have to learn about our oceans.
Given this wealth of discoveries, marine biologists around the world are grateful to everyone who supports marine research, including funding organizations, sponsors, journalists, and curious readers like you.
We will introduce these marine species one by one, starting with the starfish Caymanostella scrippscognaticausa.
Caymanostella scrippscognaticausa is currently only known from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, where the species was discovered at a depth of 990–1010 meters and possibly at greater depths.
You can see some great photos in the description under “Further links.”
Why is a starfish the Animal of the Year 2024? It's just an ordinary starfish, isn't it?
What many people don't know is that much of the deep seabed resembles a desert where food is scarce and life is sparse. However, when branches, tree trunks, or even entire trees sink to the seabed, underwater oases are created, hotspots for life, including the newly described Scripps family of wood-dwelling starfish.
Unlike the familiar starfish found in tidal pools, these unusual starfish have developed some remarkable adaptations to life on sunken wood.
Their bodies are flattened, their mouths are enlarged to maximize close contact with their woody home, and they have special spines that help them hold on.
Despite their obvious connection to wood waste, one big mystery remains: what do they eat?
Scientists are not yet sure whether these starfish feed directly on the wood or hunt other animals or microbes that settle on the decaying wood.
What is clear, however, is that they are part of a highly specialized community that depends on the decomposition of wood in the deep sea.
Etymology:
Caymanostella scrippscognaticausa was named in honor of the younger members of the Scripps family, “Cousins for Causes,” who generously support marine research.
Discoveries like these show how much we still have to learn about our oceans.
Given this wealth of discoveries, marine biologists around the world are grateful to everyone who supports marine research, including funding organizations, sponsors, journalists, and curious readers like you.
