Mah, C. L. (2025). New taxa of Valvatida (Asteroidea) with an overview of bivalve pedicellariae proposed form and function. Megataxa. 18(1): 262-347.

556879

10.11646/megataxa.18.1.3 [view]

Mah, C. L.

2025

18(1): 262-347

Publication

https://mapress.com/mt/article/view/megataxa.18.1.3

Bivalve pedicellariae are a prominent yet poorly understood morphological feature observed within specific groups within the Valvatida (Asteroidea) and have been used primarily as a taxonomic character. Seven new species, including the new genus Astrophylax which features prominent bivalve pedicellariae are described herein. In situ observations of shallow and deep-sea taxa provide possible insight into bivalve pedicellariae function. An overview of taxa which contain bivalve pedicellariae, primarily in the Goniasteridae but also the Oreasteridae and the Asteropseidae is also included. A survey of these taxa and their pedicellariae, including trends in abundance, biogeography, and depth provide further context for the understanding of these unusual characters, especially within the Goniasteridae and the Oreasteridae.

Australia
Japan
South Tropical Pacific
Tropical Pacific

Morphology
Systematics, Taxonomy

Asteroidea

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