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

Abstract

The Indo-west Pacific Aquilonastra OʼLoughlin 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 coronataeuerces Fisher; Asterina coronata fascicularis Fisher; Asterina coronata forma japonica Hayashi. The 13 fissiparous Red Sea specimens described by Perrier as Asteriscuswega 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-fi ssiparous pentaradiate form. A key to the species of Aquilonastra and map of type localities are provided.