Updated morphological description of Asteroporpa (Asteroporpa) annulata (Euryalida: Gorgonocephalidae) from the Brazilian coast, with notes on the geographic distribution of the subgenus

Abstract

Abstract.-This study provides an updated morphological description of Asteroporpa (Asteroporpa) annulata based on one specimen from the northeastern coast of Brazil, thus validating the previously uncertain occurrence of this species there. We also provide notes on the known geographic distribution of the subgenus Asteroporpa (Asteroporpa) and comments on ecological aspects of this taxon. Given our limited knowledge of the Euryalida fauna along the Brazilian coast, these new records are important for understanding the distribution, dispersal and speciation patterns of this group. The number of Euryalida reported for the Brazilian coast is increased to eight with this record.

A taxonomic guide to the brittle-stars (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea) from the State of Paraíba continental shelf, Northeastern Brazil

“…(Pawson et al 2009, Alvarado 2011). On the Brazilian coast a total of 134 species are currently known (Barboza and Borges 2012, Gondim et al 2012), which is quite similar to the fauna recorded for the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.…”

“…Clark 1933, Hendler et al 1995, Durán-Gonzáles et al 2005, Alvarado et al 2008). In Brazil from Ceará (Albuquerque 1986), Paraíba (Rathbun 1879), Pernambuco (Tommasi 1970), Alagoas (Miranda et al 2012), Bahia (Tommasi 1970), and Rio de Janeiro (Manso 1993).…”

“…Marcgrave 1648, Verrill 1868). However, knowledge on the diversity of Ophiuroidea remains scarce in Brazil, with 134 recorded species (Barboza and Borges 2012, Gondim et al 2012). The north and northeastern coasts are poorly known, the State of Paraíba remaining one of the least studied regions in northeast Brazil.…”

NEW REPORT OF THE SPECIES A steroporpa (A steroporpa ) annulata ÖRSTED & LÜTKEN IN: LÜTKEN, 1856 (ECHINODERMATA, OPHIUROIDEA, GORGONOCEPHALIDAE) FROM CEARÁ STATE, BRAZIL

“…That same year Gondim and coworkers registered the occurrence of Asteroporpa (Asteroporpa) annulata based on a single individual collected on the continental shelf off the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil (Gondim et al, 2012). Prior to this report, the only species registered off Northeastern Brazil was Astrophyton muricatum (Lima-Verde, 1969;Magalhães et al, 2005).…”

Diversity assessment of echinoderms from Mudasalodai and Pazhayar in the southeast coast of India

“…The predominant species found in this landing belongs to phylum Asteroidea and Echinoidea. However, knowledge on the diversity of Ophiuroidea remains scarce in Brazil, with 134 recorded species [2,3]. Although ophiurans are common and conspicuous animals, the scientific effort to describe their diversity has varied over the centuries, resulting in patchy knowledge [4].…”