Synaptidae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Synaptidae
Euapta godeffroyi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Holothuroidea
Order: Apodida
Family: Synaptidae
Burmeister, 1837 [1]

Synaptidae is a family of sea cucumbers that have no tube feet, tentacle ampullae, retractor muscles, respiratory trees, or cuvierian tubules. They also lack radial canals of the water-vascular system, with only the circumoral ring present.[2]

Synaptids have elongated bodies, and their size varies significantly from small to quite large. Synapta maculata grows to two metres in length. They are quite active, moving by means of waves of peristaltic contractions. Their tegument is somewhat sticky because of the anchor-like spicules that project through the skin.[3]

Genera[edit]

According to World Register of Marine Species:[1]

Gallery[edit]


References[edit]

  1. ^ a b World Register of Marine Species
  2. ^ Lambert, P. 1997. Sea cucumbers of British Columbia, southeast Alaska and Puget Sound. Univ. of British Columbia Press, Vancouver.
  3. ^ Marine Species Identification Portal