taxonID	type	description	language	source
03C24D27F65BFFBCFF74C42A3E96F91F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Modified from Clark & Downey (1992). Disk small, arms 5 to 6, abactinal skeleton irregularly reticulate, carinal series barely distinguishable, abactinal spines small, single, acute. Superomarginal plates irregularly 3 to 4 lobed, two interbrachial superomarginal plates enlarged, overlapping the 2 corresponding inferomarginals. Inferomarginal spines conspicuously larger than those of superomarginals, without accessory spinelets, Adambulacral spines monacanthid. First postoral pair narrowly separated or touching only at adoral corners. Straight pedicellariae large, felipedal, gonopores dorsal-facing.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65BFFBCFF74C42A3E96F91F.taxon	discussion	Comments. A molecular phylogeny of the Forcipulatacea (Foltz & Mah, 2011) showed that the forcipulate group Pedicellasteridae, as outlined by Fisher (1928) and Clark & Downey (1992) is paraphyletic, composed of multiple separate lineages. This group had been characterized as possessing characters of plesiomorphic or stemward asteriids (e. g. Blake 1987, Fisher 1928), which appears to be assessed as more akin to a morphological “ grade ” rather than a monophyletic group. Some, such as the deep-sea / high-latitude Paulasteridae (Mah et al. 2015) have been further identified and described but further work is needed for this poorly understood group. They are referred to herein collectively out of convenience. Alvarado (2010) lists two species of “ pedicellasterids ” from Costa Rica, Hydrasterias improvisus (Ludwig 1905) (2149 m), and Tarsaster cocosanus (Ludwig, 1905) (245 m).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65BFFBEFF74C7463C1EFD0B.taxon	description	FIGURE 1 A – B	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65BFFBEFF74C7463C1EFD0B.taxon	discussion	Comment on Specimen SIO-BIC E 7370. This specimen was among the material lost following collection. This taxon was included in Table 1 of Alvarado et al. (2022), which shows this specimen identified as “ cf. Patiria ” from 950 m depth cataloged as SIO-BIC E 7370. Examination of an image of this specimen as well as a COI (barcode) sequence alignment shows this published identification to be in error. The specimen is an undetermined pedicellasterid, possibly in the genus Ampheraster. Figure 1 shows only the top surface, an image of the actinal surface was unavailable. A large series of spines which appeared to be those on the inferomarginal series was present. The skeleton was reticulate. A positive identification was uncertain, but these characters suggested Ampheraster. This specimen was collected from the surface of a xenophyophore (Fig. 1 B), a giant agglutinated foraminifera, but there was no in situ imagery of this specimen on the xenophyophore.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65BFFBEFF74C7463C1EFD0B.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution. Cocos Canyon, on the flanks of the emergent seamount Isla del Coco off Costa Rica, 950 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65BFFBEFF74C7463C1EFD0B.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. SIO-BIC E 7370, Cocos Canyon, Costa Rica, 5.5845 ° N, 87.0676 ° W, 950 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Avery Hiley, ROV SuBastian dive S 0223, R / V Falkor, 18 Jan 2019. 1 wet spec. R = 7.5 r = 1.3 mm. GenBank. PX 400634	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65EFFB8FF74C6BC3933FD9F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Modified from Clark & Downey (1992). Arms five with arms of varying length, shape, interradial arcs acute to more blunt-angled. Abactinal plates strongly paxillate, small and crowded. Apical or epiproctal cone present in some taxa. Papulae completely present over paxillar area in most, but in some, absent centrally and mid radially. Marginal plates blocky in shape, expressed variably among taxa, some displaying prominent dorsal and / or ventral facing versus others displaying plate surfaces more laterally, these armed with variable continuous spinelets or granules, many with large spines, especially on the inferomarginal plates. Superomarginal and inferomarginal plate series with well-developed fascioles, lined by regularly arranged fine spineless on the opposing faces. Actinal plates variable, some showing very few plates limited to the disk (e. g. Astropecten) whereas others larger areas with a single series extending along the arm. Adambulacral plates broad, the furrow margin short and angular or convex in most, but others are straight, armed with large furrow and subambulacral spines. Oral plates large, modified triangular in shape but constricted and bar-like in some. Odontophore concealed, pedicellariae, if present fairly simple, spongiform, fasciculate. Tube feet tapering to a narrow tip or knob. Superambulacral plates well-developed.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65EFFB8FF74C6BC3933FD9F.taxon	discussion	Comments. Alvarado (2010), and Alvarado et al., (2022) lists six astropectinid species from Costa Rica, which occur primarily 1000 and 1500 m depth, including Astropecten benthophilus Ludwig, 1905, Astropecten sulcatus Ludwig, 1905, Leptychaster inermis (Ludwig, 1905), Persephonaster armiger Ludwig, 1905, Tethyaster canaliculatus (A. H. Clark 1916), and Thrissacanthias penicillatus (Fisher 1905).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65FFFB8FF74C2C73CA4FC9B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis and Comments Monotypic. As for genus.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65FFFBAFF74C3C33E36FE2B.taxon	description	FIGURE 2 A – F	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65FFFBAFF74C3C33E36FE2B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Modified from Fisher (1911). Body stellate to strongly stellate (Fig. 2 A, D), R / r = 4.0 – 5.0. Disk medium size, depressed, rays long, interradial areas acute. Abactinal surface paxillate, but arranged in oblique transverse rows with no enlarged radial series. Papulae present all over abactinal surface but lacking at arm tip. Madreporite large, not hidden. Marginal plates with large conspicuous spines (Fig. 2 B), spongiform fascinate pedicellariae. Actinal intermediate plates extending far along ray. Gonads not confined to the interradii but extend for a short distance along ray as a number of separate tufts from the genital rachis. Adambulacral plates with actinal spines, 1 or 2 (Fig. 2 E, F).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65FFFBAFF74C3C33E36FE2B.taxon	discussion	Comments. Thrissacanthias penicillatus is a monotypic taxon derived from the astropectinid Persephonaster by Fisher (1905) who differentiated the genus from other members of Persephonaster based on the distribution of gonads which were observed by Fisher to extend a short distance along a ray as a number of separate tufts along the arm. Internal anatomical characters, such as gonads have historically not found widespread use as taxonomic characters within the Asteroidea, except in very specific instances, such as in the Brisingida (e. g. Downey, 1986) and their usefulness as characters is largely untested, especially as function of these characters may cause them to vary. Further testing of Thrissacanthias with Persephonaster and other Astropectinidae is desirable. Gut contents and associated sediment collected from trawls suggests this species is present in subsurface sediments, feeding on mollusks and other metazoans (Alton 1966, Mah unpublished observations). Synonymy of Thrissacanthias bispinosu s Djakonov 1950. Review of the English translation of Djakonov (1950 / 1968) in comparison with Fisher (1905, 1910) and further specimens of Thrissacanthias penicillatus from Monterey and Costa Rica does little to show Thrissacanthias bispinosa as a distinct species. Review of the description of Thrissicanthias bispinosus does not outline what characters serve to distinguish it from T. penicillatus. Abactinal paxillae spinelet number, superomarginal and inferomarginal plates, furrow spine number and nearly all characters used to distinguish T. bispinosa were identical to T. penicillatus and variation within the species was largely minimal even in specimens from Costa Rica.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65FFFBAFF74C3C33E36FE2B.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution. Outside of Costa Rica. Japan, Washington state, California, west from Monterey to Peru. 55 – 1503 m. Costa Rica, 1000 – 1281 m	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65FFFBAFF74C3C33E36FE2B.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. SIO-BIC E 7246 Mound 12 methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.9332 ° N, 84.3075 ° W, 1000 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Amanda Glazier, HOV Alvin dive 4975, R / V Atlantis, 21 Oct 2018. 1 wet spec. R = 13.7 r = 3.7 cm. GenBank PQ 304658 USNM 1418220, West of Monterey Bay, California, North Pacific Ocean, 36.77 ° N, 122.3 ° W, 1024 m. Coll. R / V Point Sur, 28 Feb 2010. 1 dry spec. R = 23.3 r = 4.0 cm.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65DFFBAFF74C26B3E36FB0D.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Modified from Clark & Downey (1992). Body form stellate, broad proximally, tapering to narrow tips, but circular in cross-section. Abactinal plates paxilliform, arranged in series parallel to the mid radial line. Individual paxillae with basal lobes numbering 4 to 6, columns tall and cylindrical, crowned with numerous slender spinelets. Papulae extending over abactinal area, 1 to 5 distributed between plates. Marginal plates similar closely aligned, each crowned with a tuft of spinelets. Actinal intermediate areas large, actinal plates numerous, separated by shallow fasciolar grooves associated with adambulacral plates. Furrow / adambulacral spines with larger, coarser spines graduating to finer ones. Tube feet biserial, with flattened, unsuckered tips.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65DFFBAFF74C26B3E36FB0D.taxon	discussion	Comments. Radiaster, including 2 Atlantic and 4 Pacific species, is the only genus within the Radiasteridae, which has enjoyed a long and storied taxonomic history (summary in Clark & Downey, 1992). One species has been recorded from the Philippines / central Pacific, with the remaining 3 from Australia and New Zealand. An undescribed Radiaster species was mentioned by Hendrickx (2011) but there have otherwise been no records of this taxon from the central American / Eastern Tropical Pacific.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65DFFB4FF74C5483DECFA63.taxon	description	FIGURE 3 A – F	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65DFFB4FF74C5483DECFA63.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet brocha is derived from the Spanish word for “ brush ” alluding to the brush-like paxillae shape.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65DFFB4FF74C5483DECFA63.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Body stellate, R / r = 2.75, arms triangular, strap-like in shape, armtips pointed. Interradial arcs acute. Abactinal paxillae with narrow acicular spinelets, 8 to 20, mostly 10 to 15 with fine pointed tips, directed upwards occupying approximately 40 % of total shaft length. Marginal plates paxillate, 48 – 50 along each arm, 96 – 100 per interradius, arm tip to arm tip, widely spaced from one another becoming more widely spaced distally. Superomarginal plates with a distinct cluster of pointed spinelets, approximately 10 – 50 decreasing distally. Inferomarginal plates with spinelets, similar in size and shape, approximately 10 – 50 decreasing in size distally but larger than superomarginals, especially along arm length. Actinal surface in transverse, linear series with plates tracking from inferomarginal plates to adambulacral series, forming distinct fasciolar channels between actinal plates. Individual actinal plates paxillate, similar to abactinal plates, approximately 50 % shaft height and 50 % topped by spinelets with slender pointed tips, 10 – 20, approximately 12 – 15. Furrow spines (enlarged proximalmost spines on adambulacral plate), 2 – 3, remaining subambulacral spines, 4 – 10, mostly 7 – 9. Adambulacral spine clusters widely spaced from one another along series. Proximalmost adambulacral plate with 4 enlarged spines projecting into tube foot groove, with 7 – 9 remaining spines, smaller and thinner, comparable to those on adambulacral plates.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65DFFB4FF74C5483DECFA63.taxon	discussion	Comments. Radiaster brocha sp. nov. is characterized by the 15 – 20 pointed, short brush-like paxillar spinelets each sitting on an elongate shaft with 10 – 50 spinelets on marginal plates (Fig. 3 B). Its overall appearance is comparable to the tropical Pacific Radiaster notabilis, which has a flexible abactinal body surface which are round in cross-section. This is the first species of Radiaster recorded from Costa Rican waters. Occurrence / Distribution. Costa Rica, 1878 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65DFFB4FF74C5483DECFA63.taxon	description	Description. Body stellate, R / r = 2.75, arms triangular, strap-like in shape, armtips pointed. Interradial arcs acute (Fig. 3 A). Abactinal surface fibrous in texture, composed of numerous slender paxillate abactinal plates, composed of a stout shaft, topped by slender, short pointed spinelets, pointed 10 – 40, mostly 20 – 30, each approximately comprising 50 % of total length. Spinelets crowded. Paxillae cover abactinal surface completely, widely spaced from one another (Fig. 3 B). Papulae, each single pores, on all of abactinal surface including disk and arms. Each present on surface individually or with one or two other papulae immediately adjacent. Madreporite moderate in size, approximately 1.0 cm in diameter, convex with well developed sulci. Surface with short paxillae, 7 present approximately central on plate. Madreporite itself surrounded by approximately 20 – 22 paxillae. Pedicellariae absent. Marginal plates paxillate, 48 – 50 along each arm, 96 – 100 per interradius, arm tip to arm tip, widely spaced from one another becoming more widely spaced distally (Fig. 3 A, C). Overall shape rectangular with proximalmost marginal plates larger, more equal in size and shape but with superomarginal and inferomarginal plates becoming more heteromorphic further along the arm. Superomarginal plates significantly smaller, approximately <50 % of the size of the inferomarginal plates distally along the arm and are weakly offset, whereas those proximally are associated 1: 1 forming zigzag contact. Superomarginal plates with a distinct cluster of pointed spinelets, approximately 10 – 50, decreasing distally. Inferomarginal plates with spinelets, similar in size, shape, approximately 10 – 50 decreasing in size distally but larger than superomarginals, especially along arm length. Terminal plates, smooth surface, tooth shaped with prongs in contact with superomarginal plate. Actinal surface in transverse, linear series with plates tracking from inferomarginal plates to adambulacral series, forming distinct fasciolar channels between actinal plates (Fig. 3 F). Individual actinal plates paxillate, similar to abactinal plates, approximately 50 % shaft height and 50 % topped by spinelets with slender pointed tips, 10 – 20, approximately 12 – 15. A distinct dermal tissue present over base of actinal surface. Furrow spines (enlarged proximalmost spines on adambulacral plate), 2 – 3, remaining subambulacral spines, 4 – 10, mostly 7 – 9. Adambulacral spine clusters widely spaced from one another along series. Proximalmost adambulacral plate with 4 enlarged spines projecting into tube foot groove, with 7 – 9 remaining spines, smaller and thinner, comparable to those on adambulacral plates. Distinct series of approximately 20 – 30 elongate spines along edge of either side of central oral plate diastema with proximalmost 1 – 2 spines enlarged and projecting into mouth (Fig. 3 E). Distinct gaps between oral plates and adjacent adambulacral plates. Biserial tube foot rows, widely spaced with blunt suckers (Fig. 3 E, F).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F65DFFB4FF74C5483DECFA63.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. Holotype. SIO-BIC E 7036 Jaco Scar methane seep, Costa Rica, 9.1154 ° N, 84.8397 ° W, 1878 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Jorge Cortés, HOV Alvin dive 4913, R / V Atlantis, 28 May 2017. 1 wet spec. R = 12.4 r = 4.5 cm.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F653FFB7FF74C6133DFCFCFF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Based on Mah (2026). Body shape pentagonal to strongly stellate (R / r = 1.0 to 4.0), body variably soft to stout, thickness ranging from strongly arched to relatively flat, interradial arcs variably angular to straight. Surface covering ranges from bare and smooth to thick dermis embedded with granulation. Abactinal surface with widely variable range of plate morphologies ranging from discrete polygonal abutted plates, to shaft-like tabulae or paxillae to imbricate or irregularly arranged plates embedded in thick dermis. Plate surface ranges from smooth and bare to a highly variable range of primary ornamentation, such as large spines as well as smaller accessory structures as primarily granules, but also including spinelets, surficial plates and pedicellariae. Pedicellariae present or absent, ranging from bivalve, paddle-like to forceps-shaped. When large pedicellariae are present, these tend to be more consistent in location and presence. Marginal plates, generally blocky, but variably forming well-defined periphery with either lateral or abactinalfacing in two distinct series, superomarginals and inferomarginals, present from terminal to interradius. Marginal plates with variable accessories, such as granules, spineless, or pedicellariae. Some groups with large primary structures such as spines. Marginal plate surface variably covered by dermis or bare. Several genera with abutted superomarginals over midline on arm, variably along whole length or near armtip. Actinal plates, abutted, quadrate to polygonal or irregular in shape in chevron-like formation with full series adjacent to the adambulacral plate series becoming more irregular distally adjacent to the contact with the inferomarginal plate series. Actinal plate surface with variable cover of granules, spinelets or pedicellariae. Primary structures such as spines or large pedicellariae present in some taxa. Adambulacral plates with furrow spines, variably narrow to thick, with blunt or pointed tips. Further spination on adambulacrals variably granular to more spine or spinelet-like.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F653FFB7FF74C6133DFCFCFF.taxon	discussion	Comments. The Goniasteridae is the most diverse family within the Asteroidea, occupying many habitats and across a wide depth range, from 0 to 3000 m (Mah & Blake, 2012). Alvarado (2022) recorded six species, three from historical records, including Bathyceramaster elegans (Ludwig, 1905), Nymphaster diomedeae Ludwig, 1905, and Pillsburiaster ernesti (Ludwig, 1905) and in addition, three further species which are described herein. The subfamily Hippasterinae is represented by two species in the genus Hippasteria. Nearly all members of the Hippasterinae have been observed predating on cold-water or deep-sea cnidarians (e. g., Mah 2015, 2022), notably colonial octocorals. Although hippasterines are well documented in the North Pacific (e. g. Fisher 1911, Mah et al. 2010), only a single species, Hippasteria lepidonotus has been documented from the tropical Eastern Tropical Pacific.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F650FFB7FF74C3E63C80FAFB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Derived from Mah (2024). Body outline pentagonal in most (i. e., R / r = 1.1 – 1.5) with some becoming more stellate. Abactinal plates tabulate, granules present on abactinal plates, marginals and actinal plates. Fasciolar grooves present among abactinal and marginal plates. Bare “ patch ” present or absent on dorsal facing of superomarginal plates on most species	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F650FFB1FF74C5E23F23FC6B.taxon	description	FIGURE 4 A – C	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F650FFB1FF74C5E23F23FC6B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Modified from Fisher (1911). Body pentagonal (R / r = 1.46) Abactinal plates tabulate, rhomboid to hexagonal in outline each flat-topped covered with crowded polygonal granules, a minority of these plates with a bare spot, variably flat to tumid. Marginal plate series prominent dorsal facing, surface tumid, covered by crowded polygonal granules, save for a bare spot occupying the whole abactinal face of the plate. Actinal surface covered by rhombic to squarish plates in chevron-like series, each plate covered by polygonal granules. Furrow spinelets 4 – 5, robust but compressed. Subambulacral accessories 2 – 3, variably granular to stubby spinelets, subquarate with broadened tips. Pedicellariae, when present with two narrow spatulate valves present on each tabula or actinal plates.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F650FFB1FF74C5E23F23FC6B.taxon	discussion	Comments. As outlined in Mah (2025) and other references, it is argued that the status of C. patagonicus as a subspecies of Ceramaster grenadensi s as per Clark and Downey (1992) is incorrect and that most species in Ceramaster should follow those taxa more consistent with the typological definitions as outlined by Ceramaster granularis and the more widespread C. patagonicus. This species is known primarily from high-latitude, polar and sub-polar regions. This occurrence is the first from Costa Rica, although occurrence has been previously documented from the Gulf of California.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F650FFB1FF74C5E23F23FC6B.taxon	distribution	Distribution / Occurrence. Widely distributed. Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Alaska to British Columbia, Gulf of California, Costa Rica, to southern Australia (North of Macquarie Island), New Zealand and outlying areas (Bounty Islands and Macquarie Island). South Atlantic from near Cape Horn, Straits of Magellan, Falkland Islands, Falkland Plateau, Burdwood Bank. South Indian Ocean: Crozet Island, Kerguelen, Marion and Prince Edwards. 18 – 1125 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F650FFB1FF74C5E23F23FC6B.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. SIO-BIC E 7329 (= MZUCR-ECH 2475) Seamount 7, Costa Rica. 6.9173 ° N 85.8833 ° W, 955 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Avery Hiley, ROV SuBastian dive S 0222, R / V Falkor, 16 Jan 2019. Tissue sample only, voucher lost. GenBank accession: PX 400632.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F656FFB1FF74C4523C58F8C9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Based on Mah et al. (2010, 2014). Body weakly pentagonal to stellate, R / r = 1.5 – 2.3. Disk and arms thick. Arms relatively broad and short. Tissue with pulpy texture covers abactinal plates. Shallow fasciolar grooves present. Secondary plates present. Abactinal plates, tightly articulated, polygonal to irregular in outline, flat and elevated over surface. Carinal series are poorly distinguished. Abactinal spinelets (sometimes granular) forming fringe around abactinal plates. Spines, large, conical; granules common on abactinal plates. Large spines present on superomarginal and inferomarginal plates of most species. Superomarginal and inferomarginal plates bare, quadrate to rounded in outline at interradii with no other accessories other than large spines. Spinelets variably present on marginal plates in some taxa. Shallow fasciolar grooves present between marginal plates. Marginal accessories (granules, spinelets, etc.) differentiated into a fringe on superomarginal and inferomarginal plates. Superomarginal plates dorsal-facing in most species, Actinal fasciolar grooves shallow, large actinal spines and spinelets present. Subambulacral spines large (and thus few in number). Furrow spines large, blunt, and round, usually few. Enlarged bivalved pedicellariae on raised bases on body surface. Modified from Mah et al. (2010; 2014).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F656FFB1FF74C4523C58F8C9.taxon	discussion	Comments. A genus including 12 living species which occur in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. One species, Hippasteria phrygiana (Parelius, 1768) was shown to be widely occurring throughout all three ocean basins (Foltz et al. 2013). Most species of Hippasteria occur in deep-sea settings (> 200 m). Most if not all species have been observed as predators on various types of cnidarians, especially colonial octocorals (e. g. Mah 2015, 2022). Only one hippasterine, Hippasteria lepidonotus (as Hippasteria pacifica Ludwig, 1905) was known from farther south in the Eastern Pacific. Other than the listing of Hippasteria cf. phyrigiana (Alvarado et al. 2022: Table 1), the 3 species herein are the first known from Costa Rica and are the first hippasterines from this part of the eastern tropical Pacific.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F657FFB2FF74C0DE3FFAFE57.taxon	description	FIGURE 5 A – G, 7 A	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F657FFB2FF74C0DE3FFAFE57.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet glyphanos is Greek for chisel, referring to the chisel shaped furrow spines that are distinctive for this species.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F657FFB2FF74C0DE3FFAFE57.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Body stellate, R / r = 2.47, arms triangular. Each plate covered by uniform pointed abactinal and actinal spines. Surface of abactinal, marginal, actinal plates covered by flat-topped polygonal to quadrate granules. Abactinal, actinal and furrow spines pointed with distinctive dark tips which are also present on papulae. Furrow spines 2 – 3 with chisel-shaped tips. Large flattened paddle-like pedicellariae present adjacent to furrow spines.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F657FFB2FF74C0DE3FFAFE57.taxon	discussion	Comments. Hippasteria glyphanos sp. nov. is supported as Hippasteria based on the numerous abactinal and marginal spines as well as the prominent pedicellariae and especially the relatively low number of large furrow spines. It is distinguished by the distinctive furrow spines with flattened chisel-shaped tips, the high abundance of abactinal, actinal, and especially marginal spines and the presence of dark tips on the abactinal, actinal and furrow spines and papulae, which are observed on preserved specimens. Characters in Hippasteria glyphanos sp. nov. suggest affinities with different Hippasteria groups (Mah et al. 2014). The oval to rounded marginal plates are shared with species associated with Hippasteria californica Fisher 1904, whereas the body shape, and abactinal-marginal spination are more reminiscent of Hippasteria muscipula Mah et al. 2014. The dark color on the spine tips are unusual for hippasterines and are not known from any other species.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F657FFB2FF74C0DE3FFAFE57.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution. Known only from Costa Rica, 1052 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F657FFB2FF74C0DE3FFAFE57.taxon	description	Description. Body stellate, R / r = 2.47, arms elongate, triangular in shape, interradial arcs weakly curved. Abactinal surface arched, especially on radial regions. Abactinal surface composed of round to polygonal plates, relatively small, approximately 1.0 mm diameter, homogeneous in size, shape extending to arm terminus. Plates on disk, arms each with a single conical spine with a pointed tip, dark brown in color (Fig. 5 B – C), granules, 8 to 12, round to polygonal in shape, present around the periphery of each plate. Spines are uniformly present over the disk and arms, save for a narrow band of unspined plates in each interradius. Short tubercles present on the minority of plates where pointed spines are absent. Papulae single, each with a distinctive black to brown tip present over abactinal surface of disk and arms. Madreporite round to polygonal, convex, sulci shallow. Pedicellariae absent Marginal plates 22 – 25 per arm, 44 – 50 in each interradius, weakly quadrate in shape, surface with a strongly raised convex surface, smooth, bearing spines, 1 – 9, conical with pointed tips, interradial plates with highest number of plates, 7 – 9 decreasing to distalmost plates with only 1 – 3 spines near terminus. Spines largest proximally becoming smallest distally. Marginal spines in two series, a cluster of 2 – 5 on upper superomarginal surface with a lower series of spines in a linear series, 2 – 3. Each spine with weakly convex, flattened granules present around the base of each spine. A smaller pedicellariae, paddle-like in shape present at base of each spine. Inferomarginal plates with pointed conical spines, 8 – 10 similar to those on superomarginal plates, widely spaced. Surface covered by flat-topped, round to polygonal granules, 7 – 10. Pedicellariae paddle-shaped, similar to those on superomarginals present at the base of each inferomarginal spine cluster. Actinal regions large, approximately 5 – 7 full series with a single series extending completely to arm tip. Incomplete actinal plates irregularly arranged, smallest and most heterogeneous in shape present distally adjacent to inferomarginal plate contact. Each plate weakly quadrate in shape with rounded edges. Each plate with a single spine, conical with pointed, dark colored tip (Fig. 5 B, C, E, G). Remainder of plate with 4 to 10 flat-topped granules around spine base and further rounded granules, 10 to 20 present around each plate periphery. A minority of actinal plates with a distinct pedicellariae, paddle-shaped present adjacent to the base of proximal actinal spines. Furrow spines three, 2 – 3, each with wide, chisel-like tips with irregular tips (Fig. 5 F, G) proximally becoming more irregularly blunt-tipped distally especially adjacent to the terminus. Furrow spine tips with dark tipped coloration similar to those on abactinal, actinal spination (Fig. 5 E, G). Remainder of adambulacral accessories include a single subambulacral spine, approximately 2 x to 3 x the thickness of the adjacent furrow spines, with jagged to blunt tip. Pedicellariae, 1 – 2, composed of paddle like to paired rectangular plates (Fig. 5 G), weakly curved, these present between the furrow and subambulacral spines. Adambulacral plate surface with flat-topped granules, 7 – 10, round to polygonal in shape. Oral plates with furrow spines, 6 with 2 – 3 enlarged projecting into oral opening, a total of up to 8 spines on each plate edge. Spines projecting into mouth enlarged with distinct angular, flattened edges (Fig. 5 F). Oral plate surface covered by flat-topped polygonal to quadrate granules, 3 pairs, matched along central diastema with remainder of plate covered by irregularly sized flat-topped granules, 12 – 20, some 3 x the size of the smaller ones. Color in life, abactinally brick red to orange, more yellow-orange centrally on disk. Actinal surface lighter in color, similar to yellow-orange on abactinal surface.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F657FFB2FF74C0DE3FFAFE57.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. Holotype. SIO-BIC E 7081 Parrita Seep (also known as Mound Quepos) methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.96323 ° N 84.63622 ° W, 1052 m. Coll. Carlos Gómez & Odalisca Breedy, HOV Alvin dive 4923, R / V Atlantis, 6 June 2017. 1 wet spec. R = 10.7 r = 4.32 cm.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFB2FF74C20E3C88FA77.taxon	description	FIGURE 4 D – F	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFB2FF74C20E3C88FA77.taxon	description	cf. Hippasteria cf. phrygiana Alvarado et al. 2022: 3, Table 1.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFB2FF74C20E3C88FA77.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Based on Mah et al. 2014). Body stout, weakly stellate (R / r = 1.69 – 2.0) arms short. Abactinal plates with a single, short to large conical spine or large, bivalve pedicellariae, which are surrounded by enlarged quadrate to polygonal granules, 6 – 20. Marginal plates 35 – 36 per interradius (arm tip to arm tip), each with short, conical spine 1 – 3, mostly one but those interradially with two. Marginal plates otherwise bare with smooth surface. Bivalve pedicellariae on many, if not most, proximal marginal plates extending to the arm base, but absent on distalmost plates. Actinal intermediate region large with numerous bivalve pedicellariae, especially large on actinal plates adjacent to the adambulacral plates. Furrow spines, 1 – 3, mostly 2, subambulacral spines, 1 – 3. All adambulacral spines robust, round in cross-section. Paddle-shaped pedicellariae large, 1 – 2 present immediately behind furrow spines.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFB2FF74C20E3C88FA77.taxon	discussion	Comments. This specimen was among the material lost following collection. Hippasteria phrygiana was found by Foltz et al. (2013) and Mah et al. (2014) to be a widely occurring single species with populations in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, that led to a widespread synonymy of multiple Hippasteria species from these regions. Although a specimen was unavailable for examination, imagery for this specimen was sufficiently clear that diagnostic features, including the marginal plates, spination and abactinal and actinal features such as pedicellariae could be used to identify this species as the widely occurring Hippasteria phrygiana.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFB2FF74C20E3C88FA77.taxon	distribution	Distribution / Occurrence. Widely occurring, Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, 10 – 1221 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFB2FF74C20E3C88FA77.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. SIO-BIC E 7330 Seamount 7, Costa Rica, 6.9168 ° N 85.8835 ° W, 910 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Avery Hiley, ROV SuBastian dive S 0222, R / V Falkor, 16 Jan 2019. Tissue sample only, voucher lost. GenBank Accession: PX 400633.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFAFFF74C66E3FDBF837.taxon	description	FIGURE 6 A – F, 7 B	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFAFFF74C66E3FDBF837.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet turgida is based on the Latin for swollen, alluding to this species appearance in situ and the strongly arched abactinal surface observed in the holotype.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFAFFF74C66E3FDBF837.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Body strongly stellate, R / r = 3.0. Abactinal plates embedded in pulpy body wall, surface plates with tubercle-like spines, rising only approximately 1 – 3 mm above the surface with variably pointed to blunt tips. Pedicellariae large, approximately 2.0 mm, up to 3 plates in length. Marginal plates approximately 16 – 18 per arm, 32 – 36 per interradius, superomarginal and inferomarginal plates variably quadrate to irregularly polygonal to hemispherical. Superomarginal plates with spines, 1 to 3, short, conical with pointed tips. Bivalve pedicellariae, 1 – 3, mostly single, also present on each superomarginal plate surface, bisecting or extending the length of the plate on which it sits. Inferomarginal plates also with spines, 4 – 7, short, conical pointed tips. Inferomarginal plates also with distinct bivalve pedicellariae, 1 – 3, present on surface of all, bisecting or along length of each plate. Actinal plates each with a single, large bivalve pedicellariae present on nearly every plate, these nearly bisecting the length of the plate on which they sit. Large, coarse granules, flat-topped, polygonal in shape covering the surface of each plate, each evenly spaced in close arrangement. Furrow spines 2 – 3, blunt tipped, variable in height, but with central spines greatest in length, each thick and arranged in close palmate formation. Subambulacral spines two, but each single, each one behind the other, thick with a blunt tip. Large bivalve pedicellariae, 1 – 3, mostly 1 – 2, with flat, rectangular valves sitting adjacent or at an angle to the subambulacral spines.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFAFFF74C66E3FDBF837.taxon	discussion	Comments. Based on the abundance of large bivalve pedicellariae and the presence of low round and pointed tubercles, and few furrow spines this species is argued as a member of the Hippasteria heathi group as outlined by Mah et al. (2014). Hippasteria turgida sp. nov. shows characters similar to the New Zealand species, Hippasteria mcknighti Mah et al. 2014 including the low abactinal and marginal tubercles as well as the granular cover (Fig. 6 B, C, E) but is distinguished by the absence of the coarse granular cover, especially on the marginals (Fig. 6 C), the presence of pointed spines, and the difference in furrow spine morphology, which is more chisel-like in H. mcknighti Pedicellariae are much larger and more abundant in H. mcknighti. Figure 7 B shows this species feeding in situ.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFAFFF74C66E3FDBF837.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution. Known only from Costa Rica, 1412 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFAFFF74C66E3FDBF837.taxon	description	Description. Body strongly stellate, R / r = 3.0, body strongly arched, disk thick, arms triangular, elongate and tapering. Interradial arcs weakly curved to straight (Fig. 6 A). Abactinal plates round, closely abutted, homogeneous, embedded in thickened body wall. (Fig. 6 B). Surface plates with tubercle-like spines, short-rising only approximately 1 to 3 mm above the surface, variable pointed to blunt, widely spaced from one another, approximately one per plate (Fig. 6 C). Spines present widely over disk and arms, but especially around lateral abactinal surface (Fig. 6 C). Papulae present widely as large single pores, but clustered in bunches of 1 – 4. Pedicellariae, bivalve, abundant, variably rectangular with rounded edges, smooth valves present in abundance over abactinal surface distributed between spines and papulae. Pedicellariae large, approximately 2.0 mm, up to 3 plates in length (Fig. 6 B). Exceptionally pedicellariae trivalve, a third smaller valve present perpendicular to the paired valves (Fig. 5 C). Madreporite round to polygonal, sulci shallow. Marginal plates approximately 16 – 18 per arm, 32 – 36 per interradius, superomarginal and inferomarginal plates variably quadrate to irregularly polygonal to hemispherical (Fig. 6 D, E). Plates larger proximally becoming smaller more irregular in shape distally. Superomarginal plates with spines, 1 – 3, short, conical with pointed tips. Bivalve pedicellariae, 1 – 3, mostly single, also present on each superomarginal plate surface, bisecting or extending the length of the plate on which it sits. The more prominent the pedicellariae, the smaller or fewer the spines present on each plate. Distalmost plates with a single trivalved pedicellariae in conjunction with a distinct, large conical pointed spine (Fig. 6 C). Inferomarginal plates with spines similar to those on superomarginals, 4 – 7, short, conical pointed tips. Inferomarginal plates also with distinct bivalve pedicellariae, 1 – 3, present on surface of all, bisecting or along length of each plate. Spine number variable but distalmost spines with a single distinct conical spine (Fig. 6 D, E, F). Terminal plate pentagonal, smooth. Actinal surface composed of three weakly ordered actinal series with a more irregular arrangement of plates distally adjacent to the contact with the inferomarginal plates (Fig. 6 D). Actinal plates round to polygonal in shape with weakly developed fasciolar grooves. A single, large bivalve pedicellariae present on nearly every plate, these nearly bisecting the length of the plate on which they sit (Fig. 6 E). Large, coarse granules, flat-topped, polygonal in shape covering the surface of each plate, each evenly spaced in close arrangement. Granules becoming larger and more tubercular distally, adjacent to contact with inferomarginal contact. Furrow spines 2 – 3, blunt tipped, variable in height, but with central spines greatest in length, each thick and arranged in close palmate formation. Subambulacral spines two, but each single, each one behind the other, thick with a blunt tip (Fig. 6 F). Large bivalve pedicellariae, 1 – 3, mostly 1 – 2, with flat, rectangular valves sitting adjacent or at an angle to the subambulacral spines (Fig. 6 E). Proximally pedicellariae, especially large and thick. Distally on some arms pedicellariae with cries of granules forming spines around each pedicellariae. Adambulacral plates covered by small, polygonal evenly distributed granules, becoming smaller on more distal plates. Oral plates with blunt, thick rounded, blunt spines, either side with 6, totaling 7 with the 7 th enlarged and paired with that of the other oral plate. Oral plate surface with approximately 8 cuboidal to irregularly polygonal, flat-topped granules on either side of the diastema between the oral plates. Remainder of oral plate surface covered with flat-topped granules, widely spaced. Color in life white with dark orange arm tips and interradii. Actinal intermediate areas yellow to light orange, adambulacral plate series dark orange.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F655FFAFFF74C66E3FDBF837.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. Holotype. SIO-BIC E 7261 Quepos Plateau Hills, Costa Rica, 8.5322 ° N, 84.7908 ° W, 1412 m. Coll. Juan José (Chepe) Alvarado & Charlotte Seid, HOV Alvin dive 4981, R / V Atlantis, 27 Oct 2018, 1 wet spec. R = 11.4 r = 3.8 cm. GenBank. PX 400630.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F649FFAEFF74C0DE3CC9FE44.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Based on Mah (2017). Body stellate, arms triangular. With tabulate abactinal plates displaying internally radiating ossicles from base of each plate. Abactinal tabulae plates with granules or spinelets. Abactinal plates in most, extending to arm tip, but exceptionally with distalmost superomarginals abutting. Abactinal, marginal, actinal surface covered by granules.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F649FFAEFF74C27E3CA6F88A.taxon	description	FIGURE 8 A – E, 10 B	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F649FFAEFF74C27E3CA6F88A.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Based on Mah (2016). Body variably stellate, R / r = 1.9 – 3.1, arms triangular, interradial regions weakly curved. Abactinal plates tabulate, topped with spinelets and granular accessories. Peripheral spinelets, 6 – 30, mostly 15 – 24, well-spaced, lobate. Central plate surface with 1 – 10 (mostly 4 – 7) round, low, blunt granules; distally short spinelets present adjacent to superomarginals. Marginal plates 30 – 60 (arm tip to arm tip), both marginal plate series covered with granules, 60 – 200 (most with about 150). No pedicellariae. Actinal plates round to polygonal in shape, in 3 – 4 full series arranged in chevron formation. Each plate covered by granules, 2 – 12, typically 6 – 8, polygonal, widely spaced granules. Furrow spines slender, 3 – 6, most commonly four or five, quadrate in cross section, blunt tipped, approximately 10 – 20 % longer than subambulacral spines Subambulacral spines two or three, each about twice as thick as a furrow spine and twice as long.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F649FFAEFF74C27E3CA6F88A.taxon	discussion	Comments. The specimen described herein represents the southernmost occurrence for this already widely distributed species and a significant extension to Central America. Individuals observed from farther north were white when alive, whereas individuals figured here are orange. Fisher (1911) was the first to suggest that Mediaster transfuga Ludwig 1905 intergraded closely with Mediaster tenellus, possibly forming morphological extremes of a single species. Mah (2016) briefly summarized the possibility that these two species could be synonymous. Based on specimens herein, furrow spine number, abactinal tabular granules and number of marginal plates per interradius are all similar with that of M. tenellus, thus it is argued that Mediaster transfuga is synonymous with Mediaster tenellus Fisher 1904.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F649FFAEFF74C27E3CA6F88A.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecological Comments. Mah (2016) made prior observations of this species from the North Pacific in the Axial seamount region (> 1000 m depths) on soft sediment and basalt rock bottoms. Observations herein showed this species on soft sedimented bottoms from Costa Rica, consistent with these observations. Based on gut content analyses and in situ observation, this species appears to be a sediment feeder / detritivore (Mah 2016).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F649FFAEFF74C27E3CA6F88A.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution. Aleutian Islands & Gulf of Alaska. Pioneer Seamount and west to Axial Seamount, Co-Axial Seamount. North Pacific region, SW of mouth of Columbia River, Oregon, Mulberry Seamount, Catalina Island (Southern California). Acapulco. 380 – 1829 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F649FFAEFF74C27E3CA6F88A.taxon	materials_examined	Costa Rica, 997 m. Material Examined. SIO-BIC E 7048 Mound 12 methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.9304 ° N, 84.3126 ° W, 997 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Ben Moran, HOV Alvin dive 4917, R / V Atlantis, 1 June 2017. 1 wet spec. R = 7.9 r = 3.4 cm. GenBank. PX 400629	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F64EFFA8FF74C6E5381AFE73.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Based on Mah (2016, 2026). Strongly stellate body form, R / r = 3.6 to 5.0, triangular arms with rapidly tapering, pointed tips, quadrate in cross-section. Abactinal surface showing weakly tabulate plates with granules covering surface. Superomarginals abutted over mid-radius along entire arm length, forming prominent frame around disk.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F64EFFA8FF74C6E5381AFE73.taxon	discussion	Comments. Nymphaster is a complex genus that includes 16 species in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans with approximately 12 fossil species represented primarily by ossicles from European Cretaceous chalks (e. g. Breton, 1988). Current understanding of Nymphaster species diversity, especially between different oceans invites scrutiny, as Atlantic and Indian Ocean species, N. arenatus and N. moebi, have argued as widely occurring and variable single species (Clark & Downey, 1992; Macan, 1938, respectively) whereas in contrast, eight species of Nymphaster were described from the Indo-Pacific and summarized by Fisher (1913, 1919). This does not include the sole East tropical Pacific species, Nymphaster diomedeae. It is unclear how a greater survey of phylogeography and / or specimens throughout Nymphaster ’ s distribution will play a role in understanding the boundary between species.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F64FFFA5FF74C26B39F2FE57.taxon	description	FIGURE 9 A – E, 10 A	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F64FFFA5FF74C26B39F2FE57.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Based on Mah (2016). Body strongly stellate, flattened. Disk broad with arms triangular in outline, tapering at arm tips, trapezoid in cross-section. Body strongly stellate, flattened. Disk broad with arms triangular in outline, tapering at arm tips (Fig. 9 A, D). Abactinal plates irregularly rounded to variably polygonal, largest along radial regions proximal on disk. Carinal plate series largest, widest with adjacent radial series smaller, with sides having similar length and width. Interradial abactinal plates smaller, more quadrate and irregular in shape. Interradial abactinal plates largest proximally on disk becoming smaller and more crowded distally adjacent to contact with superomarginal plates. Abactinal plates covered with granules, 4 – 12, roughly hemispherical in shape, evenly distributed on plate surface. More widely distributed on radial and proximal plates but becoming smaller and more crowded distally, adjacent to superomarginal plate contact. Papular pores present only on radial regions of disk, absent interradially with fewer pores present on primary circlet. Pores, four to six per plate, decreasing in number and absent adjacent to superomarginal arm plates. Madreporite, round to polygonal with deep sulci, flanked by five abactinal plates. Fasciolar well-developed along radial regions, but weak to absent interradially. Superomarginal plates, 20 – 36 per arm, 40 – 72 per interradius (armtip to armtip). Superomarginals offset from inferomarginals. Superomarginals wide (W> L) becoming more equivocal distally. Distalmost 10 – 30 superomarginals abutted over midline. Inferomarginals, ~ 32 – 72 per interradius (armtip to armtip, but tips are broken). Marginal plates in cross-section with rounded edges with abactinal superomarginal surface and actinal inferomarginal surface weakly convex. Granules, evenly spaced, similar to those on abactinal, actinal surface completely cover marginal plate surface. Granules, 80 – 100 cover superomarginal and inferomarginal plate surface. Granules on inferomarginal surface, less crowded but more similar in distribution and shape with those granules on actinal plate surface. Actinal plates in chevron formation, quadrate to irregularly polygonal; largest proximally, but becoming smaller, crowded and more irregular in shape adjacent to inferomarginal contact. Granules 6 to 15 cover each actinal plate; variably round to weakly pointed. Shallow fasciolar grooves present among actinal plates and between actinal and adambulacral plates. Furrow spines, 2 – 6, mostly 4, blunt, slender but round to quadrate in cross-section (Fig. 9 E). Longest furrow spines proximal becoming shorter distally. Furrow spines proximally 2 – 4 increasing in number distally. Subambulacrals separated by discrete space, spines short and granular but angular to round in cross-section, approximately twice as large as granules present on actinal surface. Adambulacral plates elongate longer distally. Oral plate with 4 to 6 furrow spines per side, similar in length and shape to furrow spines elsewhere. Oral plate surface covered by pointed granules, blunt, angular to round in cross-section becoming more spine like adjacent to mouth and furrow spines pointing into mouth. No pedicellariae observed on abactinal, marginal actinal, or adambulacral plate surfaces. Color in life of this species is white to straw-like whitish-yellow.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F64FFFA5FF74C26B39F2FE57.taxon	discussion	Comments. The syntypes of Nymphaster diomedeae were collected from Costa Rica, the Galapagos, and Panama and specimens described herein agree with the description of this material. Consideration of N. diomedeae invites comparison with the widely occurring Atlantic Nymphaster arenatus, whose range of morphological variation / full synonymy had not been established when N. diomedeae was described (Ludwig 1905). Distinct morphological differences, including furrow spine number, 2 – 4 versus 4 – 9 (mostly 7), differing abactinal plate shape and fewer abactinal granules per plate are among characters that distinguish the two species. Mah (2016) observed this species in association with a moribund squid, suggesting that it shows detritivorous habits. The Atlantic Nymphaster arenatus has been observed in situ on soft sediments, and displays likely scavenging and possibly opportunistic predatory habits (Mah 2020).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F64FFFA5FF74C26B39F2FE57.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution. Gulf of California, Mexico, Coiba Island (Panama), Cocos Island (Costa Rica), continental margin of Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), 702 – 1810 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F64FFFA5FF74C26B39F2FE57.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. SIO-BIC E 4386 (GenBank PQ 449001) Mound 11 methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.919 ° N, 84.304 ° W, 1004 – 1011 m. Coll. Tony Rathburn & Helena Molina, HOV Alvin dive 4504, R / V Atlantis, 25 Feb 2009. 1 wet spec. SIO-BIC E 7028 Mound 12 methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.9294 ° N 84.3120 ° W, 994 m. Coll. Lisa Levin & Charlotte Seid, HOV Alvin dive 4907, R / V Atlantis, 22 May 2017. 1 wet spec. R = 12.6 r = 3.6 cm. SIO-BIC E 7051 Mound 12 methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.9336 ° N, 84.3077 ° W, 996 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Ben Moran, HOV Alvin dive 4917, R / V Atlantis, 1 June 2017. 1 wet spec. R = ~ 8.0 r = 2.8 cm. SIO-BIC E 7067 Parrita Seep methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.9740 ° N, 84.6280 ° W, 1097 m. Coll. Carlos Gómez & Odalisca Breedy, HOV Alvin dive 4923, R / V Atlantis, 6 June 2017. 1 wet spec. R = 8.3 r = 2.3 cm. SIO-BIC E 7069 (= MZUCR-ECH 2476) Parrita Seep methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.9740 ° N, 84.6280 ° W, 1097 m. Coll. Carlos Gomez & Odalisca Breedy, HOV Alvin dive 4923, R / V Atlantis, 6 June 2017. SIO-BIC E 7235 Mound 12 methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.9292 ° N, 84.3058 ° W, 1001 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Amanda Glazier, HOV Alvin dive 4975, R / V Atlantis, 21 Oct 2018. 1 wet spec. R = 11.1 r = 2.8 cm.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F642FFA5FF74C4873995F827.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Based on Mah (2023). Arms 7 – 17. Abactinal skeleton composed of close-set cruciform or rounded plates (paxillae also referred to as pseudopaxillae) with non-penicillate spinelets. Papular pores single. Marginal plates paxillate in some species, disproportionately sized small superomarginals similar in size to abactinal paxillae, inferomarginals, prominent, 3 x – 4 x larger than abactinal paxillae, evenly spaced along arm length. Actinal plates spinose with multifid tips. Subambulacral spines forming distinct transverse fans. Furrow spines palmate, unwebbed.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F642FFA5FF74C4873995F827.taxon	discussion	Comments. Solaster includes 23 species with the majority of described species described from the cold to temperate North Pacific, especially around the Aleutians and adjacent Russia and Japan (Fisher 1911; Hayashi 1939, 1940; Djakonov 1968) and the North Atlantic (Clark & Downey 1992), with further species present between the intertidal to approximately 3000 m. Additional species occur throughout the Indian and at high-latitudes in the Antarctic (e. g. Mah 2023). Solaster spp. have been reported as ecologically significant predators on multiple taxa, but primarily on echinoderms, especially asteroids and ophiuroids (e. g. Van Veldhuizen & Oaks 1981; Mah 2023). No Solaster species have been recorded from Costa Rica or from the Central American Pacific region.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F642FFA5FF74C20F3C70FBDF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Modified from Clark & Downey (1992). Disk moderate in size to large, arms 5 – 15, rounded, tapering to acute tip, abactinal surface variably fenestrate to reticulate. Plates lobate, paxillate, variably short and low to elongate, capped with multiple spinelets. Papulae present between plate openings, single or in groups. Marginal series one or two consisting of enlarged tuft-like paxillae. Actinal plates mostly confined to disk, in a minority of taxa extending to arm terminus. Adambulacral plates with two combs of spines, furrow spines parallel to the groove and a transversely oriented subambulacral series	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F642FFA5FF74C20F3C70FBDF.taxon	discussion	Comments. Solasterids are another group of cold-water / deep-sea asteroids that are relatively well known in the North Pacific but poorly understood from the Eastern Tropical and South Pacific regions. There are no prior records of the Solasteridae from Costa Rica. Observations of Lophaster have been recorded from deep-sea settings in the Galapagos (Maluf 1987), but Solaster has not been previously been recorded from low-latitudes in the Eastern Pacific. Most members of the Solasteridae have been observed as predators on a variety of prey, notably echinoderms including ophiuroids, crinoids, sea cucumbers, and other asteroids (Mauzey et al. 1968; Van Veldhuizen & Oakes 1981; Mah 2023).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F643FFA6FF74C0DE3C41FE73.taxon	description	FIGURE 11 A – F, 10 C	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F643FFA6FF74C0DE3C41FE73.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The subspecies is named for its occurrence from Costa Rica.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F643FFA6FF74C0DE3C41FE73.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Body thick, stellate, R / r = 3.3, arms 8, each tapering, elongate, round in cross – section. Interradial arcs acute. Abactinal surface fenestrate with paxillate plates bearing very short pointed spinelets, 3 to 4, such that they barely extend over the plate surface. Shaft of these plates is approximately 3 X the distance of the tip of the plate with spinelets. Marginal plates a single series along the actinolateral margin, approximately 48 to 50 along each arm, approximately 96 to 100 per interradius. Each marginal plate paxillate, cylindrical in shape, eye-shaped in cross-section, topped with short spinelets, 20 – 30, pointed with webbed bases. Actinal plates with short paxillae, 1 to 4, mostly 2 to 3 short spinelets similar to those on the abactinal surface. Furrow spines, 2 to 3, mostly 2, small, blunt free from one another. Adambulacral plates, each with 7 to 8 elongate spines, thick, with pointed tips cylindrical in cross-section in transverse series, 6 to 8 times the length of the furrow spines.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F643FFA6FF74C0DE3C41FE73.taxon	discussion	Comments. This represents the first occurrence of Solaster from Costa Rica and from the Central American region. COI data extracted from this species was compared with other known Solaster species and shown to be 98.95 - 99.85 % identical with Solaster paxillatus from British Columbia. However, morphology of this species, while similar to S. paxillatus, also showed several distinct character differences, notably among paxillae, furrow and other spine number differences from characters described for North Pacific S. paxillatus. It was also discovered that a subspecies, S. paxillatus celebesensis Aziz & Jangoux 1985 has been collected from Makassar Strait, in Indonesian waters, sharing closer resemblance to North Pacific individuals. Based on the morphological disparity in conjunction with the close genetic similarity it was determined that the best conclusion was to designate this individual as a further subspecies, Solaster paxillatus costaricensis n. ssp. a further morphotype to be tested within the context of intraspecific variation of what is conceivably a very widely distributed taxon.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F643FFA6FF74C0DE3C41FE73.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution. Known only from Costa Rica, 1000 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F643FFA6FF74C0DE3C41FE73.taxon	description	Description. Body thick, stellate, R / r = 3.3, arms tapering, elongate, round in cross-section. Interradial arcs acute. Arms eight. Abactinal surface fenestrate with paxillate plates bearing very short pointed spinelets, 3 to 4, such that they barely extend over the plate surface. Shaft of these plates is approximately 3 X the distance of the tip of the plate with spinelets. Paxillae widely spaced from one another where the plates intersect. Papulae single, elongate emerging through numerous single pores present on the abactinal skeleton above the height of the paxillae. Papular pores forming transverse regular series along lateral surfaces on arm with plates in a more irregular arrangement on disk and along radial arm regions. Individual plates tumid, cruciform in shape. Distinct single carinal series present. Each interradius on disk forming appressed fold between arms. Madreporite difficult to distinguish, small, round, overlain by abactinal surface. Marginal plates a single series along the actinolateral margin, approximately 48 – 50 along each arm, approximately 96 – 100 per interradius. Each plate paxillate, cylindrical in shape, eye-shaped in cross-section, topped with short spinelets, 20 – 30, pointed with webbed bases. If superomarginal plates are present they are smaller, paxillate and indistinguishable from adjacent abactinal plates. Small abactinal paxillae, consistent with those on the abactinal surface, are present between the widely spaced marginal plates, but they did not occur in direct series to the terminus and it is unclear if these are proper marginal plates. Actinal intermediate region relatively small, composed of approximately 20 transverse series extending from inferomarginal to adambulacral plate series. Distinct dermis present along actinal surface covering fasciolar channels and the actinal intermediate surface between the actinal plates, which display small, short paxillae, 1 – 4, mostly 2 – 3 short spinelets similar to those on the abactinal surface. Furrow spines, 2 – 3, mostly 2, small, blunt free from one another. Adambulacral plates, each with 7 to 8 elongate spines, thick, with pointed tips cylindrical in cross-section in transverse series, 6 to 8 times the length of the furrow spines. Oral plates with approximately 10 furrow spines, proximalmost 3 spines projecting into mouth, these spines 2 – 3 x the thickness of adjacent spines. Oral plate with strongly arched central convexity, each side with approximately 5 – 6 spines on either side of the central diastema. Color in life white-orange with darker orange present in each interradius.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F643FFA6FF74C0DE3C41FE73.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. Holotype. SIO-BIC E 7050 Mound 12 methane seep, Costa Rica, 8.9326 ° N, - 84.3069 ° W, 1000 m. Coll. Greg Rouse & Ben Moran, HOV Alvin dive 4917, R / V Atlantis, 1 June 2017. 1 wet spec, 8 arms. R = 7.6 r = 2.3 cm.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F641FFA1FF74C67E3F65F848.taxon	description	FIGURE 12 C – D	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F641FFA1FF74C67E3F65F848.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Modified and translated from Ludwig (1905). Body pentagonal with R / r = 1: 3. “ Dorsal ” = abactinal side is strongly arched, thin and translucent. Numerous, very small and irregularly distributed spiracles present throughout the supra dorsal membrane. Paxillar crowns with one central and 6 – 8 peripheral rod-shaped blunt-ended spines. Paxillae each with a quadrilobate base, each in contact forming a diamond-shaped network each filled with multilobed papulae. Five anal plates surrounding the small osculum, each with 15 – 18 spines at their apex supporting the oscular opening. Furrow spines 4, each clear, in transverse series.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F641FFA1FF74C67E3F65F848.taxon	discussion	Comments. This specimen was among the material lost following collection. Although the voucher specimen of SIO-BIC E 7265 could not be examined, details of the specimen images were compared with that of the description in Ludwig (1905) and the USNM holotype. Superficially it is similar with the “ strongly arched ” dorsal side (= abactinal surface) and a pentagonal body shape with comparable R / r, approximately 1.0 to 1.1 versus 1.3 on the holotype. Furrow spines are arranged transversely and number 4 in series and small spiracles are present in the supra dorsal membrane of both specimens. However, the holotype, USNM 34411 is damaged and missing the abactinal surface. Characters strongly suggest Pteraster diaphanus, but voucher material is needed for a conclusive identification. If confirmed, this is the first occurrence of this species since its original description by Ludwig (1905).	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F641FFA1FF74C67E3F65F848.taxon	distribution	Distribution / Occurrence. Known only from Costa Rica, 1246 – 1408 m.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
03C24D27F641FFA1FF74C67E3F65F848.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined. SIO-BIC E 7265, Seamount 3, Costa Rica, 8.5427 ° N, 85.1598 ° W, 1246 – 1390 m. Coll. Ekin Tilic & Chris Roman, HOV Alvin dive 4982, R / V Atlantis, 28 Oct 2018. Tissue sample only, voucher lost. GenBank. PX 400631 USNM 34411 Cocos Island, Costa Rica, 5.4389 ° N, 86.9167 ° W, 1408 m. Coll. USFC Steamer Albatross, 1 March 1891. 1 wet spec. R = 8.0 r = 6.0 mm.	en	Mah, Christopher L. (2026): New species and occurrences of deep-sea Asteroidea (Forcipulatacea, Valvatida, Paxillosida) from the Pacific continental margin of Costa Rica. Zootaxa 5845 (2): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.2.1
