Kogure, Y. and Tachikawa, H. (2009). A new species of the genus Astroceramus (Echinodermata, Asteroidea, Goniasteridae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. Biogeography 11: 77-82

133462

Kogure, Y.; Tachikawa, H.

2009

11, 77-82

Publication

We describe herein a new species of the goniasterid sea star Astroceramus. A specimen of this species was found at a depth of 550 m near Haha-jima (Hillsborough Island), which is situated in the middle of the Ogasawara Islands in far southern Japan. This genus is characterized by superomarginal plates that medially contact with each other throughout the lenght of the arm, and a series of small granules on the margins of abactinal plates with numerous internal bosses. In addition to these characteristics, Astroceramus boninensis sp. nov. has some peculiar morphological features: there are only 4 superomarginal plates in each interbrachial space, and the second superomarginal plates at the base of the arms are the largest plates. We compared the external features of A. boninensis with those of the other congeneric species, and we propose a Japanese name "Ogasawara-hirata-gokaku-hitode" for the new species. A key for identifying Astroceramus spp. is also provided.

Japan

Benthos
Identification key, Expert Identification Systems
Systematics, Taxonomy

Asteroidea

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