Other Echinoderms

Pectinura maculata, close up of central disc. These common brittlestars are quick, opportunistic scavengers and carnivores which occur in vast numbers at all depths in Fiordland.

 (56.21K)

Stichopus mollis has been spared harvesting in Fiordland because of difficulties in drying and preparing the animal. (53.49K)

This spectacular little sea cucumber is Ocnus brevidentis. Hundreds of thousands of these carpet a spot which has been named strawberry fields. (57.26K)

The featherstar Oxycomanthus plectrophorum is found at depths of 6-30 and is rarely encountered at such shallow depths elsewhere in its range. (46.96K)

Kina, Evechinus chloroticus, is common in the seaward reaches of the fiords. Fiordland specimens have a bitter taste which helps protect them from human exploitation. There is an unidentified ascidian next to this speciemen. (76.47K)

Pseudechinus huttoni is far commoner than kina in Fiordland. It usually has terrestrial leaves held loosely on the upper surface. (34.36K)

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Last modified on Tuesday, April 19, 2005