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Euretaster insignis (Sladen, 1882)
| Family Name: | Pterasteridae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Echinoderm) |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Inhabits intertidal rocky shores and coral reefs, often under rocks and stones. Diet is unknown. Fissurellids are known to feed on sponges, algae and detritus. |
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| Habitats | Coral Reef, Marine |
| Distribution | Natural rocky shores in Singapore; previously common on Labrador Beach but now rarely seen. |
| Nature Reserves | Labrador Nature Reserve |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Degradation and loss of natural rocky intertidal habitats on islands in the Singapore Strait. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | A fissurellid that was once common on many rocky shores in Singapore but now rare due to habitat loss. Tropical fissurellids, while restricted in diversity, are poorly studied and their role in the marine ecosystem is unknown. |
| Conservation Notes | Sufficient areas of “natural” rocky substratum and crevices are needed to support any population of this snail. Seawalls do not appear to be a viable alternative habitat for this animal. |
Status
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Endangered (EN) [2008] |
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Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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