An orange-brown pineapple sea cucumber, covered in wart-like growths, rests on the seafloor in front of some coral.

How the Sea Cucumber Defends Itself . . . From Itself

The marine animals have evolved a unique molecular pathway enabling them to use toxins to fight off invaders without poisoning themselves in the process.

How the Sea Cucumber Defends Itself . . . From Itself

The marine animals have evolved a unique molecular pathway enabling them to use toxins to fight off invaders without poisoning themselves in the process.

Home
Subjects
echinoderms

echinoderms

Image of the Day: Brittle Star

Emily Makowski | Nov 20, 2019 | 2 min read

This marine animal looks like a sea star, but don’t be fooled.

Proposed Deep-Sea Mining Zone Harbors Previously Unknown Species

Catherine Offord | Oct 17, 2019 | 5 min read

The discovery of ancient clades of brittle stars at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean adds to concerns that commercial exploitation of the area could destroy numerous taxa before they’ve even been identified.

Starfish in the Deep Sea Can See

Abby Olena, PhD | Feb 6, 2018 | 3 min read

A study of 13 starfish species reveals that even animals that live at depths where sunlight doesn’t reach have functioning eyes.