Skip to main content
Log in

Notes on the ecology of Astropecten aranciacus

  • Published:
Marine Biology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In a shallow coastal region of Sardinia (European Mediterranean Sea) the activity pattern and migration habits of the sea star Astropecten aranciacus were studied by means of SCUBA diving. The species is nocturanl, with two modes of abundance. Different size classes revealed different activity schedules. A sample taken at dusk consisted of comparatively large-sized sea stars, while another sample taken at night included small-sized sea stars with the larger individuals. By tagging the sea stars with numbers, their locomotory activity during the night, as well as day, was investigated.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Literature cited

  • Ebling, F. J., A. D. Hawkins, J. A. Kitching, L. Muntz and V. M. Pratt: The ecology of Lough Ine. XVI. Predation and diurnal migration in the Paracentrotus community. J. Anim. Ecol. 35, 559–566 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyman, L. H.: The invertebrates, Vol. IV: Echinodermata, 763 pp. New York: McGraw-Hill 1955.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koehler, R.: Echinodermes. Faune Fr. 1. 1, 1–210 (1921). (Reprint Nendeln/Liechtenstein: Kraus 1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Massé, H.: Contribution à l'écologie du genre Astropecten Linck. Recl Trav. Stn mar. Endoume 41, 187–191 (1966).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mori, S. and K. Matutani: Studies on the daily rhythmic activity of the starfish Astropecten polyacanthus Müller et Trochel, and the accompanied physiological rhythms. Publs Seto mar. biol. Lab. 11, 173–185 (1952).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nobre, A.: Echinodermes de Portugal, 176 pp. Pôrto: Companhia Editora do Minho Barcelos 1930/1931.

    Google Scholar 

  • Picard, J.: Recherches qualitatives sur les biocoenoses marines des substrats meubles dragables de la région Marseillaise. Recl Trav. Stn mar. Endoume 52, 1–160 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Reese, E. S.: The complex behaviour of echinoderms. In: Physiology of Echinodermata, pp 157–207. Ed. by R. A. Boolootian. New York: Interscience Publishers 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siniff, D. B. and C. R. Jessen: A simulation model of animal movement patterns. Adv. ecol. Res. 6, 185–219 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tortonese, E.: Fauna d'Italia. Echinodermata, 422 pp. Bologna: Edizioni Calderini 1965.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weber, E.: Eine lakultative Freßgemeinschaft von Fischen und Stachelhäntern. Z. Tierpsychol. 22, 567–569 (1965).

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavodnik, D.: Echinodermata der Insel Krk. Acta adriat. 9, 3–19 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Communicated by O. Kinne, Hamburg

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Burla, H., Ferlin, V., Pabst, B. et al. Notes on the ecology of Astropecten aranciacus . Marine Biology 14, 235–241 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00348285

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00348285

Keywords

Navigation