- (1) Class: Asteroidea--Starfish or Sea Stars (Six-rayed Starfish--Leptasterias hexactis)--sea stars have fairly developed senses of smell, touch, and taste. They also can respond to the presence of light. They normally eat small prey whole, but they have to extrude their stomachs to digest larger prey outside their bodies. Sometimes, sea stars will use their tube feet to help pry open bivalves, and then they will slip their stomachs in between the two shells.
(2) Class: Ophiuroidea--Brittle Stars (Daisy Brittle Star--Ophiopholis aculeata)
Another picture of a Brittle Star (*)--found in all oceans (but mainly in the tropics). The group includes about 2000 species, varying in color. They eat decaying matter and microscopic organisms that are found on soft muddy bottoms.
(3) Class: Echinoidea--(*) Sea Urchins--they locomote using short to long, movable spines. Between their spines are small, pincerlike organs called pedicellariae which they use to clean and defend themselves. The pedicellariae also contain a powerful toxin.
(4) Class: Crinoidea--Feather Stars (Florometra serratissima)--feather stars will swim if they are disturbed.
(5) Class: Holothuroidea--Sea Cucumbers
