Ophiopeza spinosa

Boissin, Emilie, Hoareau, Thierry B., Paulay, Gustav & Bruggemann, J. Henrich, 2016, Shallow-water reef ophiuroids (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) of Réunion (Mascarene Islands), with biogeographic considerations, Zootaxa 4098 (2), pp. 273-297 : 288

Ophiopeza spinosa (LJUNGMAN, 1867)

(REU-0158, Fig. 5 b)

Material. 1 spm, St. 3

Remarks. The specimen presents a pale brown/beige overall colouration and the characteristic dorsal pattern resulting from enlarged marginal disc scales. The radial shields are concealed by granules. The disc granules are slightly depressed in their centres. The arm spines are much longer than in O. fallax and the dorsal arm plates are fan-shaped but narrower than in O. fallax . Abundance: 1.

Distribution. Widespread across the IWP ( Clark & Rowe 1971), previously reported from Réunion ( Guille & Ribes 1981).

Figures

FIGURE 5. Pictures of species encountered in Réunion Island waters. Pictures were taken of freshly collected specimens except when indicated. Photo credit: BIOTAS.