Benthopectinidae is a family of sea stars containing at least 75 species in eight genera.[1] It is the only family in the monotypic order Notomyotida.

Benthopectinidae
Benthopecten species
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Asteroidea
Superorder: Valvatacea
Order: Notomyotida
Ludwig, 1910
Family: Benthopectinidae
Verrill, 1899
Genera

8, see text

Synonyms
  • Benthopectininae Verrill, 1894
  • Cheirasteridae Ludwig, 1910
  • Pararchasterinae Sladen, 1889

These asteroids are deep-sea dwelling and have flexible arms. The inner dorso-lateral surface of the arms contain characteristic longitudinal muscle bands.[2] Eight genera of deep-water species make up the majority of the family benthopectinidae, and many of its members are expected to have a greater range than is currently recognized.[3]

Taxonomy

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Nine genera are recognized:[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "The World Asteroidea Database - Benthopectinidae". Marinespecies.eu. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  2. ^ "Asterozoa: Fossil groups: SciComms 05-06: Earth Sciences". Palaeo.gly.bris.ac.uk. 2005-11-22. Archived from the original on 2007-07-14. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  3. ^ Shin. (2015). A New Record of Sea Star Genus Nearchaster (Asteroidea: Notomyotida: Benthopectinidae) from East Sea, Korea. Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity, 31(2), 135–138. https://doi.org/10.5635/ASED.2015.31.2.135