A new species of the sessile crinoid Holopus d'Orbigny from the tropical western Atlantic, with comments on holopodid ecology (Echinodermata: Crinoidea: Holopodidae)

Abstract

Holopus mikihe new species is only the sixth extant holopodid crinoid to be described. It differs from all other extant hol-opodids in having large and distinct raised tubercles in the center line of the aboral surface of proximal secundibrachials, giving it the appearance of a mailed fist. The holotype, from 758 m, also comes from outside the known depth range of the other tropical western Atlantic species, H. rangii d'Orbigny. Some comments are provided on the ecology of Caribbean holopodids, based upon data obtained during dives of the Johnson-Sea-Link manned submersibles. Copyright © 2008 · Magnolia Press.