Kanakaster solidus

Mah, Christopher L., 2017, Overview of the Ferdina - like Goniasteridae (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) including a new subfamily, three new genera and fourteen new species, Zootaxa 4271 (1), pp. 1-72 : 36-39

Kanakaster solidus nov. sp.

Figure 12 A–F

Etymology. This species is named for the Latin solidus alluding to the dense and thick body present in this species.

Occurrence. New Caledonia, Tonga. 240–404 m.

Diagnosis. This species is distinguished based on its strongly stellate shape, tapering triangular arm shape, thick disk and superomarginals abutting over the midline along each arm. A granular tegument completely covers the body with no bare regions on the body surface. Removal of the tegument reveals crystalline or glassy nodules on underlying plate surface.

Taxonomic comments. Kanakaster solidus n. sp. compares most closely with K. balutensis n. gen. n. sp. in that both species are strongly stellate with well-developed triangular arms and distalmost pairs of superomarginals abutting over the midradius of each arm. Crystalline nodules abundantly cover the superomarginal surface on K. solidus n. gen, n. sp., which also lacks a small raised patch as observed in K. balutensis n. sp. Some variation is observed across different sized specimens in this species. Marginals in MNHN-IE-2013-6849 (paratype) are not as strongly swollen with a more flattened surface.

Description. Body stellate (R/r=1.7–2.5) with smaller individuals (R<2.0 cm) showing more strongly stellate body form than larger individuals. Disk stout, arms triangular, interradial arcs weakly curved ( Fig. 12 A). Marginal plates from approximately 30% of interradial disk diameter (r). Body surface covered by coarse granular tegument ( Figs. 12 , C).

Abactinal plates abutted, circular to polygonal in outline, strongly to weakly convex ( Figs 12 A, B). Plate size homogeneous with some smaller secondary plates present especially at contact between disk and superomarginal plates. Disk plates jumbled, carinal and primary circlet plates weakly differentiated ( Fig. 12 B) but paired plates in each interradii were present ( Fig. 12 A, B). Disk plates limited to disk and proximal arm region where superomarginals abut over midradius. Abactinal surface covered with coarse granular tegument ( Figs 12 A, B). Granules quadrate to polygonal, approximately three to six along a 1.0 mm line, present as continuous cover over complete surface including plates and regions between plates. Granules slightly coarser along depressions between abactinal plates. Other than granular tegument, no other accessories present on surface or present as peripheral ornamentation. Where granular tegument has been removed, abactinal plates are covered by multiple, coarse, embossed crystalline bosses, five to 30 present on each plate ( Fig. 12 D). Papulae present on radial regions, absent interradially. Six papulae present for each plate, each papular pore with two to four (most with three) larger granules (about 2– 3x the size of most granules) flanking each papular opening. No pedicellariae observed. Abactinal surface in most individuals appears sunken below plane of superomarginals. Madreporite irregularly round to triangular in shape, raised slightly above plane of abactinal surface, flanked by three to five large sized abactinal plates.

Marginal plates wide becoming narrower distally. Plates with rounded edges along lateral side ( Fig. 12 C). Marginal plates 10–18 (arm tip to arm tip), with superomarginal and inferomarginal plates showing 1:1 correspondence but with more distal arm plates slightly offset with zig-zag contact between superomarginals and inferomarginals ( Fig. 12 A, C). Adults at approximately R=2.9 with 12–13 marginals. Distalmost three to five superomarginals abutted over midline with penultimate superomarginal in some individuals ( Figs. 12 A, D) (e.g., MNHN-IE-2013- 6850) enlarged, triangular in shape and about twice the length of adjacent superomarginal plates. Terminal plate triangular with a tapering point between superomarginal plates. Marginal plates covered by 100–400 (mostly ~300) embossed crystalline bosses ( Fig. 12 D), identical to those present on abactinal plates inset superomarginal, inferomarginal surfaces. Crystal bosses abundant but evenly spaced on each plate surface. Other than crystal bosses and granulated tegument, no other accessories present on marginal plate surface or on plate periphery.

Actinal surface composed of three complete plate series in chevron arrangement ( Fig. 12 E) with one incomplete, irregularly arranged set of plates adjacent to the inferomarginal contact. All plate surfaces covered by dense, coarse, granulate tegument, in some cases, obscuring boundary between plates ( Figs 12 E, F). Granules quadrate to polygonal, most coarse adjacent to inferomarginal contact with three to four present along a 1.0 mm line. One to five clam-shell pedicellariae per interradius, each with large, round, flat valves inset into shallow alveolar pits on actinal surface ( Fig. 12 F).

Furrow spines two or three per plate, at oblique angles, spines quadrate to polygonal in cross-section. Enlarged angular granules,i.e. extensions of the granular tegument in subambulacral position, three to five, mostly three, approximately 5x–8x times the size of adjacent actinal granules, densely arranged, present adjacent to furrow spines. “Subambulacral” granules separated from furrow spines by discrete space, but occur immediately adjacent to them, then gradually becoming consistent in size and morphology with granules on actinal surface. Remainder of adambulacral accessories identical to granulate cover on actinal surface. Oral plates with four to five furrow spines, each blunt, thick with triangular spine projecting into mouth ( Fig. 12 E, F). Oral spines in concave arrangement projecting into mouth. Oral plates with one or two large subambulacrals directly behind oral furrow spines arranged in identical fashion as other furrow spines. Remainder of oral plate surface covered by dense granular tegument.

Material examined. Holotype: MNHN-IE-2013-6850; Brachiopod Bank, New Caledonia, 23°27’S, 167°51’E, 282 – 297m.; Coll. Lozouet et al., aboard N/ O Alis, NORFOLK 2, DW 2023; 1 dry spec. R=2.9, r=1.7. Paratypes: New Caledonia. MNHN-IE-2013-6849; Brachiopod Bank , New Caledonia, 23°27'S, 167°51’E, 282 – 297m.; Coll. Lozouet et al., aboard N/ O Alis, NORFOLK 2 DW 2023; 1 dry spec. R=2.9, r=1.7. MNHN-IE-2013- 6859; West Jumeau bank. 23˚40.4’S, 168˚15.0’E, 389 – 404 m.; Coll. Richer de Forges, 12 Aug, 1999, N/ O Alis LITHIST St. CP 15; 1 dry spec. R=1.8, r=1.1. MNHN-IE-2013-6871; Brachiopod Bank, New Caledonia, 23°28’S, 167°51’E, 370 – 371 m.; Coll. Lozouet et al., NORFOLK 2, DW 2024; 1 dry spec. R=1.9, r=0.9. MNHN-IE-2013- 6873; Kaimon Maru Bank , New Caledonia, 24°46'S, 168°10’E, 283 – 310m.; Coll. Lozouet, Samadi & Richer de Forges coll. NORFOLK 2, CP 2095; 1 dry spec. R=1.6, r=0.7. MNHN-IE-2013-6872; Brachiopod Bank , New Caledonia, 23°28’S, 167°51’E, 370 – 371 m.; Coll. Lozouet et al., NORFOLK 2, DW 2024; 1 dry spec. R=1.8, r=1.0. MNHN-IE- 2013-2380; New Caledonia, 21°04’S 160°45’E, 254 – 271 m.; Coll. EBISCO-AWA DW 2636; 2 wet specs. R=2.4 r=1.3; R=2.1 r=1.2. MNHN-IE- 2007-62; Coral Sea , 22°48’S, 159°23’E, 410 m; Coll. Bouchet et al. N/ O Alis; 2 wet specs. R=2.9 r=1.2 R=1.2 r=0.5.

Further Vouchers. MNHN-IE-2013-6851; Noumea , New Caledonia,18˚57.1’S, 163˚27.9’ E, 255.0 m; Coll. Richer de Forges, 3 April 1985, N/ O Vauban, ORSTOM St. 497; 1 dry specs. R=2.9, r= 1.3 cm. MNHN-IE-2013- 6852; Banc N, Norfolk Ridge , New Caledonia. 23°27.3’S, 167°50.4’E, 276–350 m.; Coll. Lozouet et al. aboard N/ O Alis NORFOLK 1, DW 1651; 1 wet spec. R=2.2, r=1.1. MNHN-IE-2013-6861; 15˚50’S, 167˚17’E, 207–280.0 m.; Coll. Bouchet & Richer de Forges, 5 Oct 1994. MUSORSTOM 8, St. CP 1084; 1 dry spec. R=2.0, r=1.1. MNHN-IE-2013-6862 ; Southern New Caledonia, 23˚41’S, 168˚01’E, 240–300.0 m.; Coll. B. Richer de Forges, 20 Oct 1992, ORSTOM, N/ O Alis campagne BERYX 11 , Sta. DW 40; 1 dry spec. R=1.6, r=0.8. MNHN-IE-2013- 6853 ; New Caledonia, 23°47’S, 167°59.4’E, 338 m,; Coll. Crosnier aboard Vauban, SMIB 3 , DW 18; 4 dry specs.

R=1.8, r=0.9; R=1.3, r=0.7; R=1.3, r=0.7; R=0.9, r=0.3. MNHN-IE-2013-6854; New Caledonia, 23°40’S, 168°00.8’E, 250–270 m ; Coll. N / O Alis SMIB 5 DW 75. 3 dry spec. R=1.4, r=0.6; R=1.1, r=0.4; R=1.0, r=0.4; MNHN-IE-2013-6855; off Noumea , New Caledonia 23˚39.7’S, 167˚59.7’E. 280 m.; Coll. N.O Vauban , SMIB 3 , St. DW 20; 4 dry specs. R=1.6, r=0.7; r=1.4, r=0.7; R=1.5, r=0.6; R=1.3, r=0.5. MNHN-IE-2013-6857; Southern New Caledonia, 23˚41’S, 168˚01’E, 240–300.0 m; Coll. B. Richer de Forges , 20 Oct 1992, ORSTOM, N/ O Alis campagne BERYX 11 , Sta. DW 40; 1 dry spec. R=1.7, r=0.8. MNHN-IE-2013-6863; Kaimon Maru Bank, Southern New Caledonia, 24˚46.7’S, 168˚ 8.3’E, 254–283.0 m.; Coll. B. Richer de Forges , 11 Aug 1999, N/ O Alis campagne LITHIST, st. DW 11; 7 dry specs. R=2.2, r=0.9; R=1.2, r= 0.9 cm; R=1.7, r= 0.9 cm; R=1.6, r= 0.8 cm; R=1.5, r=0.6; R=1.6, r= 0.7 cm; R=1.3, r=0.6. MNHN-IE-2013-6864; Off Noumea , New Caledonia. 22˚20’S, 168˚ 42.9’E, 240–260 m.; Coll. N / O Alis , SMIB 5 , DW 85; 2 dry specs. R=1.5, r=0.7; R=1.4, r=0.8. MNHN-IE-2013- 6865; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 22˚18.7’S, 168˚ 41.3’E, 335– 370 m .; Coll. SMIB 5 , DW 87; 3 dry specs. R=1.4, r=0.6; R=1.4, r=0.6; R=1.4, r=0.5. MNHN-IE-2013-6866; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 22˚ 18.4 S, 168˚ 41.1’E, 335 – 370 m.; Coll. SMIB 5 , DW 91;3 dry specs. R=1.4, r=0.7; R=1.4, r=0.7; R=1.3, r=0.6. MNHN-IE- 2013-6867; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 22˚ 20.1 S, 168˚ 42.3’E, 240 – 255 m.; Coll. SMIB 5 , DW 91; 5 dry specs R=1.6, r=0.8;R=1.3, r=0.7; R=1.3, r=0.7; R=1.2, r=0.6; R=1.2, r=0.7. MNHN-IE-2013-6868; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 22˚ 19.1 S, 168˚ 41.6’E, 310 – 340 m.; Coll. SMIB 5 , DW 91; 3 dry specs. R=1.5, r=0.7; R=1.5, r=0.7; R=1.1, r=0.5. MNHN-IE-2013-6869; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 23˚41.9’S, 168˚ 00.4’E, 270– 300 m .; Coll. SMIB 5 , DW 91.; 1 dry spec. R=1.1, r=0.5. MNHN-IE-2013-6870; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 23˚41.5’S, 167˚ 59.4’E, 338 m .; Coll. SMIB 3 , DW 18; 3 dry specs. R=1.7, r=0.8; R=1.0, r=0.5; R=1.0, r=0.5. MNHN-IE-2013- 6874; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 23°40.9’S, 168°00.8’E, 250 – 270 m.; Coll. SMIB 5 , DW 75; 2 dry specs. R=1.7, r=0.9; R=1.6, r=0.9. MNHN-IE-2013-6875; West Jumeau Bank , 23°41’S 168°01’E, 235–245 m ; Coll. Lozouet, Samadi & Richer de Forges, NORFOLK 2, DW 2042; 2 dry specs. R=1.6, r=0.8; R=1.3, r=0.4; R=1.5, r=0.6. MNHN-IE-2013-6876; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 22˚18.7’S, 168˚ 41.3’E, 335– 370 m .; Coll. SMIB 5 , DW 87; 1 dry spec. R=1.1, r=0.6. MNHN-IE-2013-6877; Southern New Caledonia, 23˚41’S, 168˚01’E, 270 m ; Coll. B. Richer de Forges, SMIB 5 , DW 70; 1 dry spec. R=1.0, r=0.6. MNHN-IE-2013-6878; West Jumeau Bank , 23°40’S, 168°01’E, 235–242m.; Coll. Lozouet, Samadi & Richer de Forges, NORFOLK 2, DW 2043; 2 dry specs. R=1.4, r=0.7; R=1.1, r=0.4. MNHN-IE-2013-6879; New Caledonia , NORFOLK 2, DW 545; 8 dry specs. R=1.7, r=0.8, r=1.7, r=0.8; R=1.1, r=0.6; R=1.4, r=0.7; R=1.1, r=0.5; R=1.3, r=0.5; R=1.0, r=0.5; R=0.9, r=0.3. MNHN- IE- 2013-6880 ; Pins Island , New Caledonia, 22°44’S, 167°07’E, 318 m ; Coll. Lozouet, Samadi & Richer de Forges coll. NORFOLK 2, DW 2162. MNHN-IE-2013-6882; Off Noumea , New Caledonia, 22°44’S, 167°07.7’E, 345 m ; Coll. Richer de Forges, N / O Vauban, ORSTOM st. 420; 1 dry spec. R=1.1, r=0.7. MNHN-IE-2013-6883; Noumea, New Caledonia,18˚57.1’S, 163˚27.9’ E. 255.0 m.; Coll. Richer de Forges , 3 April 1985, N/ O Vauban, ORSTOM St. 497; 1 dry spec. R=2.8, r=1.1. MNHN-IE-2013-6884; N Bank, Norfolk Ridge, New Caledonia, 23°26’S, 167°50’E, 320 – 336 m.; Coll. Lozouet et al. aboard N/ O Alis NORFOLK 1, DW 1658; 4 wet specs. R=1.8, r=1.0; R=1.9, r=1.1; R=2.2, r=1.1; R=.9, r=1.0. MNHN-IE-2013-6885; N Bank , Norfolk Ridge, New Caledonia, 23°27.3’S, 167°50.4’E, 276–350 m ; Coll. Lozouet et al. aboard N/ O Alis NORFOLK 1, DW 1651; 4 wet specs. R=2.2, r=1.2; R=2.1, r=1.1; R=2.0, r=1.0; R=2.0, r=1.1. MNHN-IE-2013-6886; Brachiopod Bank , Norfolk Ridge, New Caledonia, 23°26’S, 167°50’E, 305 – 332m.; Coll. Lozouet et al. aboard N/ O Alis NORFOLK 1, DW 1657; 9 wet specs. R=2.2, r=1.1; R=2.4, r=1.3; R=2.6, r=1.3; R=2.2, r=1.1; R=2.4, r=1.2; R=2.2, r=1.1; R=1.8, r=1.0; R=1.9, r=0.9; R=1.4, r=0.8. Tonga. MNHN-IE-2013-6860 ; Tonga islands, N Ha’apai group.19˚03’ S, 174˚19’W, 523–806 m.; Coll. N. Ameziane , 14 June 2000. BORDAU 2, St. DW 1595, 1 dry spec. R=2.2, r=1.0. MNHN-IE- 2013-8395; North Bank , Norfolk Ridge, New Caledonia 23°28’ 167°51’E, 328 – 340 m.; Coll. NORFOLK 1, N/ O Alis; 1 wet spec. R=2.7 r=1.2. MNHN-IE-2013-8394; New Caledonia, 23° 28' S, 167° 52' E, 328 – 340 m.; Coll. NORFOLK 1 DW 1653. 1 wet spec. R=1.6 r=0.9. MNHN-IE-2013-8399; West Jumeau Bank , Norfolk Ridge, New Caledonia, 23° 40' S, 168° 1' E to 23° 41' S, 168° 1' E,. 237–250 m ; Coll. NORFOLK 1 DW 1667; 1 wet spec. R=2.1 r=0.9. MNHN-IE-2013-8400; New Caledonia. 23°17' S, 168°14' E to 23°19' S, 168°15' E, 190 – 212 m.; Coll. NORFOLK 1 DW 1727; 1 wet spec. R=1.0 r=0.7 R=1.1 r=0.7.

Figures

FIGURE 12. Kanakaster solidus n. gen., n. sp. Holotype, MNHN-IE- 2013 - 6850. Scale Bar = 3.0 mm. A. Abactinal surface. B. Abactinal surface showing details on plates. C. Lateral view showing superomarginal and inferomarginal surface details. D. Denuded surface detail on abactinal and superomarginal plates showing crystalline nodules embedded on plates. E. Actinal surface. F. Detail on oral surface showing furrow spines, mouth and pedicellariae.