Morphology:
The American Lobster has bilateral symmetry. It is divided into twenty-one segments: the head region has six segments, the mid section (thorax) has eight segments and the tail has seven segments. The eyes are located on the first segment or the head and are stalked. The lobster also has ten feet divided into five pairs extending from the mid-section or thorax. |
Biology:
-The lobsters have two antennas. The first and larger of the two is used for touching and guiding. The smaller of the two help the lobsters to locate food. -They have compound eyes that are sensitive to bright light. The eyes allow them to detect prey based on rapid shadow movements. -They have a mouth that can be used for burrowing as well. It allows them to move gravel, sand, and rocks away. |
Morphology:
The Crown of Thornes Sea Star has radial symmetry. They can have between 8 and 21 arms and normally range from 250 to 350mm in diameter. The Crown of Thorns mouth is located on the aboral surface and the eye spots are on the tips of the arms. The color range of the Crown of thorns varies from red and orange to pruple, thought to be based on diet. |
Biology:
- The Crown of Thorns has a large stomatch that allows them to feed on an abundant high energy food source. - They have rapid growth reaching reproductive maturity within two years of settling on a reef. - Relativley long-lived which allows successive breeding over a number of years. |