This phylum contains over 6,000 species in 6 classes having 35 orders. The word echinoderm means "spiny skin" and this phylum includes urchins, brittle stars, starfish, cucumbers, and feather stars. These creatures have an internal calcium skeleton and travel using tube feet. Their vascular system pumps water, not blood. By pumping water into or out of their tube feet, the animal is capable of securing itself to most surfaces. Their mouth area usually contacts the substrate, except for cucumbers. T hey are scavengers and/or filter/suspension feeders.
As noted in the other sections/groupings of this Animal Library, there's room for additions, and no doubt corrections. I've laid the groundwork, so please let's not criticize, simply pitch in and help! Together we can make this 'Animal Library' for hobbyists and divers the best in the world. I should also add that since the supply of invertebrate photos from individuals appears to be somewhat scarce in certain categories, I've searched the web to find sites where none-copyrighted examples appeared to be available and/or sought permission to use their photos. I've posted these here with the website where located, such as the wonderful site at National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and www.edge-of-reef.com. By visiting the mentioned sites you might be able to gather more information about the species of interest. And if you have better photos, and/or more species information, please send it to me, as sharing is what this non-profit site is all about! (Email to saltcorner@cs.com) Also, where photos were not available, I've noted books where you can find a photo of the discussed species. I've also tried to put this phylum in an up-to-date sequence, yet find too many different thoughts on what goes where. Have done the best I can as a none-scientist, and if you have some information pertaining to a better sequence of topics, i.e., orders, families ,and genera, please forward it me. Bob
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