Astropecten polyacanthus (Müller & Troschel, 1842): 68

Material examined: 1 specimen (ZMSBUK-1642)

R: 74mm, r: 18mm

Description: (Figs. 15–17)

Five long arms, rectangular in cross section, with a relatively small disc (R /r:>4:1). Actinal and abactinal surface very flattened. Abactinal paxillae relatively large, particularly so toward the axis of the arms and centre of the disc where they bear up to 18 granules; peripheral paxillae somewhat smaller with up to 8 central granules; madreporite clearly visible but not large; body margin defined by supero-marginal plates each with a large vertically erect, sharp spine, except on the second and occasionally third most proximal plates were this is absent. Most proximal supero-marginal spine very prominent. Infero-marginal plates each with a prominent spine and 4–5 smaller spines arranged in a fine row along the distal plate edge. Remainder of infero-marginal plate covered in smaller spinelets. Actinal surface largely covered by an extension of the infero-marginal plates; adambulacral plates with three furrow row spines; terminal disc in tube feet absent, feet instead tapering to distinctive point.

Observations:

Mainly found in sandy and/or sandy-rock shores from the intertidal to 5 m. Live specimens have a tendency to almost disappear into sandy bottoms by sifting themselves into the substrate. Recorded in the present study at Nayband Bay, Bostaneh in main land and, Qeshm, Hengam, Larak, Hormuz, Lavan and Kish Islands.

Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940; Clark & Bowen 1949; Clark & Rowe 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982a; Price 1982b; Price 1983; Khayat 2005; George 2012; Pourvali et al. 2014; Pourvali 2015; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.