Astrosarkus
{{Short description|Genus of starfishes}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Astrosarkus idipi.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| genus = Astrosarkus
| parent_authority = Mah, 2003 {{ cite web |url=http://www.marinespecies.org/asteroidea/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=254799 |author=C.L. Mah |title=Asteroidea taxon details for Astrosarkus Mah, 2003 |year=2010 |work=World Asteroidea Database |accessdate=June 29, 2011}}
| species = idipi
}}
Astrosarkus idipi is a species of sea stars in the family Oreasteridae. It is the sole species in the genus Astrosarkus. It is sometimes referred to as a Pumpkin sea star.{{cite web | url=https://www.alamy.com/pumpkin-sea-star-astrosarkus-sp-attached-to-rock-wall-90-meters-depth-indian-ocean-mayotte-possibly-new-species-image184078272.html | title=Pumpkin sea star (Astrosarkus sp.) attached to rock wall, 90 meters depth, indian Ocean, Mayotte. Possibly new species Stock Photo - Alamy }}
Description and characteristics
It is a big sea star with a subpentagonal and very plump body. It is quite recognizable because of its bright orange color, and globally displays the color, texture and size of a pumpkin. It is thus a very big star, measuring approximately {{cvt|30|cm}} in diameter for {{cvt|10|cm|0}} high. The lower face is white dirtied with orange, and crossed by 5 ambulacral grooves. Inside the body, the skeleton is strikingly reduced: the main part of the mass of the star is muscular.Christopher L. Mah, "[http://echinoblog.blogspot.fr/2009/10/astrosarkus-discovering-great-pumpkin.html Astrosarkus: Discovering The Great Pumpkin Starfish ! First video of this species alive !]", on The Echinoblog, 12 october 2009.
Habitat and repartition
In popular culture
Along with some other deep-sea creatures, this sea star has been used in Japan as a model for a sushi-shaped gachapon toy. There, the species is referred to as ryugu sakura hitode, which means "dragon palace cherry blossom sea star".{{cite web |url=http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/03/06/creepy-or-cute-come-face-to-face-with-deep-sea-creatures-as-gachapon-sushi-toys/ |title=Creepy or cute? Come face to face with deep sea creatures as gachapon sushi toys |last1=Kay |date= 6 March 2015|website=rocketnews24.com |publisher= |access-date=}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from1=Q22675893|from2=Q1825372}}
Category:Taxa described in 2003
Category:Monotypic echinoderm genera
{{Asteroidea-stub}}