​A systematic revision of the asterinid genus Aquilonastra O'Loughlin, 2004 (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)

P. Mark O'Loughlin and Francis W. E. Rowe

Memoirs of Museum Victoria Vol 63 (2) p. 257–287 (2006)

DOI
http://doi.org/10.24199/j.mmv.2006.63.18

Abstract

The Indo-west Pacific Aquilonastra O'Loughlin is reviewed. Eleven species are retained in Aquilonastra: A. anomala (H.L. Clark); A. batheri (Goto); A. burtonii (Gray); A. cepheus (Müller and Troschel); A. corallicola (Marsh); A. coronata (Martens); A. iranica (Mortensen); A. limboonkengi (Smith); A. minor (Hayashi); A. rosea (H.L. Clark); A. scobinata (Livingstone). Asterina lorioli Koehler is reassigned to Aquilonastra. Thirteen new species are described: A. byrneae; A. colemani; A. conandae; A. doranae; A. halseyae; A. marshae; A. moosleitneri; A. oharai; A. richmondi; A. rowleyi; A. samyni; A. watersi; A. yairi. The four subspecies of Asterina coronata Martens are junior synonyms: Asterina coronata cristata Fisher; Asterina coronata euerces Fisher; Asterina coronata fascicularis Fisher; Asterina coronata forma japonica Hayashi. The 13 fissiparous Red Sea specimens described by Perrier as Asteriscus wega are the syntypes. Asteriscus wega Perrier is a junior synonym of Asterina burtonii Gray. The provisional referral to Aquilonastra of three species is discussed: A. rosea; A. rowleyi; A. scobinata. No fissiparous species develops into a non-fissiparous pentaradiate form. A key to the species of Aquilonastra and map of type localities are provided.

Citation

O'Loughlin, P.M. & Rowe, F.W.E., 2006. A systematic revision of the asterinid genus Aquilonastra O'Loughlin, 2004 (Echinodermata: Asteroidea). Memoirs of Museum Victoria 63: 257-287. http://doi.org/10.24199/j.mmv.2006.63.18

PUBLICATION DATE: 31 DECEMBER 2006

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