Ossicle Morphology of four Sea Star Species of the Genus Astropecten (Asteroidea; Echinodermata) and its Bearing on the Investigation of a Predator's Diet

Abstract

Abstract. The ossicle morphology of four sea star species of the genus Astropecten occurring in Sardinia, Italy, was investigated. Medial inferomarginals are species specific in structure, and readily differentiated by observation at low magnification in the field. Body sizes of ingested sea stars can be assessed from the size of remains such as mouth plates and selected inferomarginals, providing a basis for quantifying predation impact upon those species. We applied this method to Astropecten aranciacus L. which is common in the Mediterranean Sea.