Thromidia
Thromidia is a genus of starfish belonging to the family Ophidiasteridae. These sea stars are found in the deep sea of the Indo-Pacific region.
Description:
Members of the genus Thromidia are characterized by their relatively large size and distinctive morphology. They typically possess five long, slender arms that taper towards the tips. The body disc is small compared to the arm length. The aboral (upper) surface is often covered with small, rounded granules or tubercles. They are known to exhibit varied coloration, ranging from shades of red and orange to purple and brown.
Distribution and Habitat:
Thromidia starfish are primarily distributed throughout the deep waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They are bathyal animals, inhabiting depths ranging from several hundred to several thousand meters. Their habitat consists of the seabed, often composed of sediment, rock, or coral rubble.
Biology and Ecology:
Little is definitively known about the specific diet and reproductive habits of Thromidia starfish. As members of the Ophidiasteridae family, they are likely to be opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of small invertebrates and organic matter found on the seafloor. Reproduction is presumed to be sexual, though details remain largely unstudied.
Taxonomy:
The genus Thromidia was established to classify a distinct group of starfish with shared morphological characteristics. The classification may be subject to revision as new data from molecular studies becomes available. Several species are currently recognized within the genus, including, but not limited to:
- Thromidia catalai
- Thromidia seychellesensis
Conservation Status:
Due to the deep-sea habitat of Thromidia starfish and the limited amount of research conducted on these organisms, their conservation status is largely unknown. They may be vulnerable to the impacts of deep-sea trawling and other human activities that disturb the seabed environment. Further research is needed to assess their population size, distribution, and potential threats.