A review of the genus Smilasterias (Echinodermata, Asteroidea), with descriptions of two new species from southeastern Australia, one a gastric brooder, and a new species from Macquarie Island

Abstract

An emended diagnosis is provided for the genus Smilasrerias Sladen. Three new species of Smi/asrerias are described. S. multipara sp. nov. and S. tasmaniae sp. nov. are endemic to southeastern Australia, and S. clarkailsa sp. nov. is from Macquarie Island. The seasonal gastric brooding habit of S. mu/tipafa sp. nov . is described. Descriptions are given for S. sca/prifera (Sladen), S. rriretnis (Sladen) and S. irregularis H.L. Clark. A key to the species of Srnilasterias and a distribution map for the three south-eastern Australian species are provided.