Plinthaster ceramoidea ( Fisher 1906 )

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 : 225

Plinthaster ceramoidea ( Fisher 1906)

Figure 4 F

Fisher 1906: 1052; Chave & Malahoff 1998: 86; Mah 1998: 67

Occurrence. Hawaiian Islands region, 294– 510 m.

Feeding observations. The observation listed below shows this species hunched over what has been identified as dead colonies of the zoanthid Gerardia sp ( Fig. 4 F). This posture presumably positions the mouth of the animal over the upward facing polyp or feeding on hydroids overgrown on the colony.

In life, this species is orange in color with a deeper colored superomarginal plate series.

Video observations. P4-014-d2-5954 to P4-0140-d2-10007. 18º73.0, 158º 25.8, 388 m. Nov. 15, 2000

Figures

FIGURE 4. In situ video observations of other Goniasteridae. A. Calliderma emma in situ on sandy substrate B. C irceaster pullus feeding on isidid octorcoral. C. C. pullus with swollen disk, likely feeding on isidid octocoral. D. Hippasteria muscipula feeding on isidid ocotocrals, off Kona, HI. E. H. muscipula feeding on soft coral in Celebes Sea. F. Plinthaster ceramoidea feeding on Gerardia?