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Echinoderms

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

Echinoderms are a diverse group of marine animals that include sea stars, sea urchins, feather stars, brittle stars, and sea cucumbers. Known for their radial symmetry and textured bodies, they are a common and fascinating sight for scuba divers and snorkelers across coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and rocky coastlines. These slow-moving invertebrates play important roles in ocean ecosystems—sea cucumbers recycle nutrients, urchins help control algae, and sea stars act as natural predators. You’ll often spot them clinging to rocks, crawling across reef flats, or hidden beneath ledges.

© Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels

Animals in this category

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 1900