Astropecten hemprichi (Müller & Troschel, 1842): 71

Material examined: 4 specimens (ZMSBUK-1639/1 _ ZMSBUK-1639/4)

Largest sampled specimen in this study: R: 56mm, r: 19mm

Description: (Figs. 6–10)

Five arms, disk relatively large and arms correspondingly shorter than in other Persian Gulf Astropecten species (R /r 3:1).Abactinal surface with numerous densely packed paxillae at the centre of the disc, becoming larger towards the periphery although those in the arm axes largest, up to 11 central granules. Madreporite small, often concealed by abactinal paxillae Body margin defined by large supero-marginal plates, rectangular in abactinal aspect, each possessing a series of granules, one of which is clearly enlarged on all by the most proximal; Long, spatulate primary spines extending from inferomarginal plate at right angles to the ray, 4–6 smaller accessory spines below the primary spine not in distinctive row, remainder of inferomarginal plates covered in spinlets; terminal disc in tube feet absent, feet instead tapering to distinctive point. Abactinal surface distinctly dark red to pale orange with irregular fusiform dark pink or pale red spots. Pattern faded by persistent in alcohol.

Observations:

Found intertidally among mixed sandy/rock substrate; Recorded in the present study at Qeshm and Hengam Islands.

Previously reported from the Persian Gulf; (Price 1982a; Price 1983; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.