Ophiocoma erinaceus is an echinoderm, more specifically a brittle star of the Ophiocomidae family.[1]
| Ophiocoma erinaceus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Ophiuroidea |
| Order: | Ophiacanthida |
| Family: | Ophiocomidae |
| Genus: | Ophiocoma |
| Species: | O. erinaceus |
| Binomial name | |
| Ophiocoma erinaceus Müller & Troschel, 1842 | |
Description
Ophiocoma erinaceus is black with red tube feet.[1][2] On the arm segments, there are three arm spines on one segment while the other has four. The next segment occurs in reverse order.[3] In Hawaii, it is the largest brittle star, with sizes of the arms going up to 5 ½ inches, and the disk can be about 1 inch in diameter.[1]
Distribution & Habitat
Ophiocoma erinaceus is distributed within the Indo-Pacific oceans and can be found under rocks and stones.[1]
Human Uses
The saponin and antioxidants Ophiocoma erinaceus produces is the subject of interest to researchers as it has been studied for medical research.[4] It has been observed that the saponin extracted from Ophiocoma erinaceus can decrease and inhibit the growth of HeLa human cervix cancer cells.[4]
References
External links
Media related to Ophiocoma erinaceus at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Ophiocoma erinaceus at Wikispecies
