Ophidiaster macknighti H.E.S. Clark, 1962

H.E.S. Clark 1962: 2; McKnight 1993: 171; A.M. Clark 1993: 349; Rowe & Gates 1995: 92. H.E.S. Clark & McKnight 2001: 168.

Comments. The New Caledonia specimens agree with most characters as summarized by H.E.S. Clark (1962). This species is very similar in appearance to O. agassizi Perrier, 1881 . Pedicellariae are identical in specimens from both regions, showing recurved valves with fine, hyaline tips. This species differs from O. agassizi in that the furrow spines are relatively free from granular cover but subambulacral spines are similar in appearance.

Occurrence. New Caledonia. Northeaster New Zealand, Wanganella Bank, New South Wales. 20– 250 m.

Specimen records. New Caledonia: MNHN IE-2013-9781. New Caledonia, 25°21′S, 159°45′E, 25°22′S, 159°43′E, 108 – 130 m. Coll. KANADEEP DW 4945, 1 wet spec. R=7.0, r=0.8. MNHN IE-2016-1527. New Caledonia, 22°21′S, 168°42′E, 240– 250 m. Coll EXBODI DW 3897, 1 wet spec. R=5.7, r=0.