Melusinaster
Jurassic basket star genus bridging brittle stars and basket stars.
Melusinaster is a genus of basket stars from the Jurassic period, described by Thuy and Stöhr in 2018 based on fossil specimens from areas throughout Germany. The genus is notable for representing a transitional form between brittle stars and basket stars, helping to clarify the previously ambiguous connection between these groups.
Quick Facts
- Regnum
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Echinodermata
- Classis
- Ophiuroidea
- Ordo
- Euryalida
- Genus
- Melusinaster
- Genus Authority
- Thuy & Stöhr, 2018
- Type Species
- Melusinaster alissawhitegluzae
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Melusinaster was described from microscopic skeletal remains retrieved from clay washed through sieves. The individuals were small ophiuroids with arched, crescent-shaped arm plates, articulations in the spine made of muscle and nerve openings, and no tubercles or spurs on the outer surfaces of the arm plates. These fossil remains represented a transitional form between brittle stars and basket stars.
Based on a morphology-based phylogenetic assessment by Thuy and Stöhr, Melusinaster is related to the previously described genus Aspiduriella from the Triassic period, and is believed to be an intermediate genus between the older Aspiduriella and basket stars alive today. The genus name refers to the legend of Melusine, a mermaid from the mythology of the House of Luxembourg.
Only two species have been described: M. alissawhitegluzae, named after singer Alissa White-Gluz of the Swedish extreme metal band Arch Enemy, and M. arcusinimus, named for the Latinized version of 'Arch Enemy'. A replica of a basket star was given to White-Gluz during a concert at Rockhal in 2018, and another replica is housed in the National Museum of Natural History in Luxembourg.
Reader's Guide
Melusinaster holds significance as a transitional form that clarifies the evolutionary connection between brittle stars and basket stars. Prior to its discovery, the relationship between these groups was ambiguous. The genus, described from Jurassic fossils found in Germany, provides morphological evidence linking the older Triassic genus Aspiduriella to modern basket stars. The microscopic skeletal remains, retrieved from sieved clay, allowed for detailed analysis of arm plate morphology, including arched, crescent-shaped plates and the absence of tubercles or spurs. The phylogenetic assessment by Thuy and Stöhr positions Melusinaster as an intermediate genus, bridging a temporal and morphological gap. Its legacy is further marked by the naming of its two species after the band Arch Enemy and its lead singer, reflecting a cultural connection through the gift of a replica basket star during a concert in Luxembourg, with another replica housed in the National Museum of Natural History in Luxembourg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Melusinaster?
Melusinaster is a genus of basket stars that dates back to the Jurassic period. It is best known for occupying a transitional position between brittle stars and basket stars.
Who described Melusinaster and when?
Thuy and Stöhr formally named the genus in 2018, drawing on fossil specimens collected from sites across Germany.
Why does Melusinaster matter to echinoderm fans?
It helped untangle a long-standing confusion about how brittle stars and basket stars are linked evolutionarily. By sitting squarely between the two groups, it gave researchers a clearer picture of their relationship.
Where were Melusinaster fossils found?
All known specimens come from various locations throughout Germany and date to the Jurassic period. The genus includes two recognized species.
Is Melusinaster related to any other genus?
Yes, it is closely associated with the genus Aspiduriella, and together they help illustrate the evolutionary bridge between brittle stars and basket stars.
More in Sea Cucumbers and Brittle Stars 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced