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| http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/storage/animals/520x260/Johnsons_sea_cucumber.jpg |
The Phylum Echinodermata contains aquatic animals usually recognized by their 5 point radial symmetry, this phylum includes starfish, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers. Echinoderms are found at any depth, from sand bars in the shallows, to the abyssal depths. These creatures are extremely resilient. This phylum has no freshwater or terrestrial species, however it contains over 7,000 species that are completely aquatic. Echinoderms have nerve nets, or ganglia, however they have no brain. Most Echinoderms are carnivorous, and can eat fish, crabs, or some can even eat mollusks.
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| http://tolweb.org/tree/ToLimages/02echsep2.jpg |
Many Echinoderms can regenerate, or replace parts of their body. Sea cucumbers can even expell organs that will regenerate over a period of a few months if threatened.
