description Protenaster australis Overview
Protenaster australis is a living irregular sea urchin in the order Spatangoida and family Schizasteridae, commonly described as a heart urchin. It is associated with southern Australia and lives buried in shallow sandy seabeds rather than being known only from fossils. Western Australian Museum specimens collected off Trigg Beach were found in about 1.8 metres of water and buried roughly 10 centimetres in fine calcareous sand. When exposed, the animals burrowed back into the sediment.
help Protenaster australis FAQ
What is Protenaster australis?
Protenaster australis is a living irregular sea urchin in the order Spatangoida and family Schizasteridae. It is commonly described as a heart urchin.
Where does Protenaster australis live?
The species is associated with southern Australia. It lives in shallow sandy seabeds rather than being known only from fossil deposits.
Does Protenaster australis live on top of the seabed?
It is adapted to live buried in shallow sand. This infaunal lifestyle is typical of heart urchins and distinguishes it from sea urchins that remain exposed on rocks.
Is Protenaster australis extinct?
No. Protenaster australis is described as a living species. It belongs to the irregular sea urchins, a group that includes modern heart urchins as well as fossil forms.
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