Apollonaster kelleyi, Mah, Christopher L., 2015

Mah, Christopher L., 2015, New species, corallivory, in situ video observations and overview of the Goniasteridae (Valvatida, Asteroidea) in the Hawaiian Region, Zootaxa 3926 (2), pp. 211-228 : 214

Apollonaster kelleyi n. sp.

Figures 1 A–F

Etymology. This species is named for Dr. Christopher Kelley, director of the Hawaiian Undersea Research Laboratory in honor of his enduring support of deep-sea research and marine biology.

Comments. This specimen is identified as Apollonaster based on the presence of the bare abactinal plate surfaces, multiple accessory granule rows on the abactinal plates, the granule distribution on the marginal plate surface and the adambulacral furrow arrangement. Apollonaster was previously known only from the tropical Atlantic, A. yucatanesnsis , which was represented by very few specimens. Actinal granulation and subambulacral spination between A. kelleyi and A. yucatanensis are very similar. Morphological differences between the two species are outlined in the key below. This represents the first known species of Apollonaster in the Pacific and occurs in a bathymetric range consistent with that of the Atlantic species. Video observations of this species were not identified.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Holotype of Apollonaster kelleyi n. sp. A. Abactinal surface. B. Abactinal plates. C. Closeup of armtip showing abutted superomarginals. D. Actinal surface. E. Closeup of actinal surface showing actinal intermediate region and tube foot groove. F. Close up of adambulacral region, showing furrow spines and etc.