
Echinoderm meaning spiny skin is a feature shared by most species in this group, another character they all have is the radial symmetry, meaning the body can be divided into five similar parts around a central axis, more commonly known as starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
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Over 6,000 echinoderm species have a water vascular system that powers their tube feet. These specialized features are used for gas exchange, feeding and other tasks. But the system is sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry particularly salinity. To prevent undue stress for the echinoderms it’s recommended to acclimatize starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers over a long period before adding to any aquarium.