Forcipulatida
Forcipulatida is an order of echinoderms belonging to the class Asteroidea, commonly known as starfishes or sea stars. This order is characterized by the presence of prominent pedicellariae, which are small, pincer-like organs used for defense, cleaning, and capturing small prey. These pedicellariae are typically stalked and have a distinctive forcep-like appearance, hence the name "forcipulatida."
Members of Forcipulatida are found in marine environments worldwide, inhabiting a wide range of depths from
A key feature distinguishing Forcipulatida from other sea star orders is the structure of their ambulacral