taxonID	type	description	language	source
0385423B9820FFCFFE6273D2FBD4FBCE.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis The disc is more or less densely covered with fine, rounded granules, which extend ventrally into the interradial area. Dorsal arm plates are oval or elliptical. The number of arm spines is identical on both sides of the arm. The shape of the arm spines varies among species: slender and elongated in Breviturma longispina, B. paucigranulata, and B. pica; hollow and fragile in B. pusilla; short and thick in B. brevipes, B. dentata, B. doederleini, and B. krohi. Two tentacle scales are present.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCFFDA370FEFD95FD08.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis The disc ornaments vary among genera: spherical granules in Ophiocoma and Breviturma, conical granules in Ophiocomella A. H. Clark, 1939 and Ophiomastix Müller & Troschel, 1842, and slender spines in Ophiomastix. Both oral papillae and tooth papillae are present. The dental plate is entire. One or two tentacle scales are present.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCDFDF87514FC8FFDA5.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: C 8 B 521 E 9 - 09 DA- 4 D 3 B- 98 C 6 - 8 AB 7 C 388 E 0 FD Figs 2 – 4	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCDFDF87514FC8FFDA5.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis The dorsal disc is densely covered with fine granules (Fig. 2 C) that extend seamlessly to the ventral side. The oral shields are subequal in length and width (Figs 2 D, 3 C), while the adoral shields are spear-shaped (Figs 2 D, 3 D). There are four oral papillae and 10 – 12 tooth papillae (Fig. 2 D). The dorsal arm plates are transversely elliptical (Figs 2 E, 3 G). The number of arm spines ranges from three to four, with the second dorsalmost arm spines on the 15 th – 18 th arm segments being the longest and exhibiting slightly swollen tips (Fig. 2 E – F). The ventral arm plates are pentagonal (Figs 2 F, 3 H), each bearing two oval tentacle scales on its lateral sides (Fig. 2 D, F). The coloration of the dorsal disc is variegated, ranging from yellowish-gray to greenish-gray (Figs 2 A, 4), with a dark, axe-shaped central pattern on the dorsal arm plates (Figs 2 E, 4). The arms are transversely banded (Figs 2 A, 4), with the arm spines showing a light gray base color and irregular, darker annulation (Fig. 2 E – F). The ventral side is uniformly light in color (Fig. 2 B).	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCDFDF87514FC8FFDA5.taxon	etymology	Etymology The species name securis is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘ axe’, referencing the axe-shaped dark patterns on the dorsal arm plates. The name is used as a noun in apposition.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCDFDF87514FC8FFDA5.taxon	materials_examined	Type material Holotype TAIWAN – Taitung County • (DD = 14.99 mm); Lanyu, Hongtou; 22 ° 01 ′ 19.4 ″ N, 121 ° 33 ′ 29.7 ″ E; depth <1 m; 28 Sep. 2022; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17232. Paratypes TAIWAN – Taitung County • 1 spec. (DD = 12.00 mm); same data as for holotype; NCHUZOOL 17233 • 3 specs (DD = 8.72 – 15.74 mm); Lanyu, Hongtou; 22 ° 01 ′ 19.4 ″ N, 121 ° 33 ′ 29.7 ″ E; depth <1 m; 11 Mar. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17234 • 1 spec. (DD = 9.40 mm); Lanyu, Hongtou; 22 ° 01 ′ 19.4 ″ N, 121 ° 33 ′ 29.7 ″ E; depth <1 m; 22 May 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17235 • 1 spec. (DD = 4.43 mm); Lanyu, Langdao; 22 ° 04 ′ 52.9 ″ N, 121 ° 32 ′ 07.9 ″ E; depth 7 m; 4 Jul. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17236 • 4 specs (1 spec. disc and 1 arm dissected, 4 arms in ethanol) (DD = 10.24 – 14.70 mm); Lanyu, Dongcing; 22 ° 03 ′ 23.1 ″ N, 121 ° 33 ′ 56.8 ″ E; depth <1 m; 13 Sep. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17237 • 1 spec. (disc broken); Lanyu, Langdao; 22 ° 04 ′ 45.3 ″ N, 121 ° 31 ′ 47.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 15 Sep. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17238. Other material examined TAIWAN – Penghu County • 2 specs (DD = 11.77 – 12.31 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 24.9 ″ N, 119 ° 39 ′ 59.4 ″ E; depth <1 m; 22 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17248 • 2 specs (DD = 12.85 – 13.91 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 20.5 ″ N, 119 ° 40 ′ 03.1 ″ E; depth <1 m; 22 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17249 • 2 specs (DD = 7.67 – 16.00 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 12.0 ″ N, 119 ° 40 ′ 02.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 23 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17250 • 1 spec. (DD = 7.69 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 02.9 ″ N, 119 ° 39 ′ 54.0 ″ E; depth <1 m; 23 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17251 • 8 specs (DD = 8.07 – 11.39 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 24.9 ″ N, 119 ° 39 ′ 59.4 ″ E; depth <1 m; 24 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17252 • 1 spec. (DD = 9.56 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 20.5 ″ N, 119 ° 40 ′ 03.1 ″ E; depth <1 m; 25 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17253 • 1 spec. (DD = 14.47 mm); Wang’an, Dongyupingyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 19.1 ″ N, 119 ° 30 ′ 40.0 ″ E; depth <1 m; 26 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17254 • 3 specs (DD = 9.92 – 13.75 mm); Wang’an, Dongyupingyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 21.0 ″ N, 119 ° 30 ′ 45.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 26 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17255 • 5 specs (DD = 12.38 – 17.65 mm); Wang’an, Dongyupingyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 19.1 ″ N, 119 ° 30 ′ 40.0 ″ E; depth <1 m; 27 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17256 • 4 specs (DD = 8.58 – 12.23 mm); Wang’an, Dongyupingyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 29.1 ″ N, 119 ° 30 ′ 46.5 ″ E; depth 1 m; 28 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17257. – Pingtung County • 1 spec. (DD = 10.87 mm); Siaoliouciou, Duzaiping; depth <1 m; 5 Sep. 2007; K. - S. Lee leg.; NMNS 005621 - 00012 • 2 specs (DD = 9.39 – 14.15 mm); Siaoliouciou, Shanfu Fishery Harbor; 22 ° 20 ′ 24.4 ″ N, 120 ° 21 ′ 46.2 ″ E; depth <1 m; 12 Feb. 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17239 • 6 specs (DD = 8.64 – 14.61 mm); Checheng, Huangjin Beach; 22 ° 04 ′ 52.6 ″ N, 120 ° 42 ′ 06.2 ″ E; depth <1 m; 25 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17242 • 2 specs (DD = 13.53 – 15.23 mm); Hengchun, Nanwan; depth 1 m; 10 Jan. 1991; S. - M. Chao leg.; NMNS 002270 - 00012 • 1 spec. (DD = 13.38 mm); Hengchun, Tiaoshih, Kenting Great Tide Pool; 26 Jul. 2005; S. - M. Chao and S. - T. Huang leg.; NMNS 004875 - 00025 • 15 specs (DD = 4.75 – 15.50 mm); Hengchun, Houbihu; 21 ° 56 ′ 18.9 ″ N, 120 ° 44 ′ 43.6 ″ E; depth <1 m; 25 Dec. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17240 • 7 specs (DD = 3.61 – 10.98 mm); Hengchun, Wanlitong; 21 ° 59 ′ 45.6 ″ N, 120 ° 42 ′ 16.5 ″ E; depth <1 m; 26 Dec. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17241 • 1 spec. (DD = 9.60 mm); Hengchun, Dingtanzih; 21 ° 55 ′ 56.8 ″ N, 120 ° 44 ′ 42.2 ″ E; depth <1 m; 26 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17243 • 1 spec. (DD = 8.76 mm); Hengchun, Dingtanzih; 21 ° 55 ′ 54.2 ″ N, 120 ° 44 ′ 42.9 ″ E; depth 8 m; 26 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17244 • 1 spec. (DD = 6.58 mm); Hengchun, Wanlitong; 21 ° 59 ′ 44.4 ″ N, 120 ° 42 ′ 22.2 ″ E; depth <1 m; 26 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17245 • 5 specs (DD = 3.96 – 13.93 mm); Hengchun, Wanlitong; 21 ° 59 ′ 42.4 ″ N, 120 ° 42 ′ 22.3 ″ E; depth 5 m; 28 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17247 • 1 spec. (DD = 13.75 mm); Mudan, Gangzaibi; 22 ° 08 ′ 49.8 ″ N, 120 ° 53 ′ 32.4 ″ E; depth <1 m; 27 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17246. – Taitung County • 1 spec. (DD = 11.37 mm); Chenggong, Duli; 23 ° 01 ′ 14.7 ″ N, 121 ° 20 ′ 08.0 ″ E; depth <1 m; 15 Oct. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17338 • 5 specs (DD = 6.42 – 10.79 mm); Donghe, Dulan; 22 ° 51 ′ 51.7 ″ N, 121 ° 12 ′ 34.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 16 Oct. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17339.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCDFDF87514FC8FFDA5.taxon	description	Description Holotype DD 14.99 mm (Fig. 2 A – B). Dorsal disc and radial shields densely covered with spherical granules (279 per mm ², Figs 2 A, C, 5 A), extending ventrally to distal end of oral shields (Fig. 2 D). Oral shields subequal in length and width, L / Wca 1.1 (Figs 2 D, 5 B), broadest mid-part, lateral edges slightly convex, converging distally. Madreporite enlarged, rounded. Adoral shields spear-shaped; adradial edge covered by oral shield, proximal abradial edge slightly concave (Fig. 2 D). Four rectangular oral papillae per jaw half, distal-most widest. Lyman’s ossicles slender, posterior to distal-most oral papillae. 10 – 12 rounded tooth papillae on jaw tip (Fig. 2 D). Genital slits extend from oral shields to disc margin. Five arms. Dorsal arm plates transversely elliptical, W / L ca 2.2 (Figs 2 E, 5 C), slightly convergent proximally, straight distally, rounded laterally. Arm spines freestanding, cylindrical, tapering terminally (Fig. 2 E – F). Second dorsalmost arm spines on 15 th – 18 th arm segments longest, slightly swollen at tip. Arm spines sequence of proximal 20 segments: 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4 (3), 4 (3), 3, 3, 3, 3. First ventral arm plates rounded-triangular, W> L (Fig. 2 D); following plates pentagonal, subequal in width, length, convex distally, proximally lateral edges concave for tentacle scales (Fig. 2 F). Two equal oval tentacle scales, slightly longer than wide, arranged in a narrow angle (Fig. 2 F). Ossicles One paratype, NCHUZOOL 17237. DD = 14.70 mm. Radial shields triangular, with all tips rounded (Fig. 3 A). Adradial genital plate bar-like, slightly longer than abradial genital plate, proximal three quarters flattened, thin, distal end thicker, with an articulation for abradial genital plate (Fig. 3 B 1). Abradial genital plate slightly bended, flattened thoroughly except for distal end (Fig. 3 B 2). Oral genital plate thin, C-shaped (Fig. 3 B 3). Oral shields pear-shaped, L / W = 1.4, widest near middle part (Fig. 3 C 1). Madreporite enlarged, round, distal hole large, one oval hydropore at distal lateral edge (Fig. 3 C 2). Adoral shields spear-shaped, sharp at distal end, adradial and abradial sides slightly concave (Fig. 3 D). Dental plate outer part with five tooth sockets, dorsalmost two penetrated (Fig. 3 E 1), outer ventral part with nine small tooth papillae sockets, inner ventral half with five horizontal ridges (Fig. 3 E 2). Oral plates abradial side with well-defined horizontal muscle flanges (Fig. 3 F 1), adradial side with strong folds (Fig. 3 F 2). Dorsal arm plates transversely elliptical, W / L = 1.67, slightly convex distally, proximal lateral edges convergent (Fig. 3 G). Ventral arm plates pentagonal, subequal in length and width, distal edge strongly convex, proximal edge with an angle of about 90 °, lateral edges with notches on each side for tentacles and tentacle scales (Fig. 3 H). Lateral arm plates strongly arched, outer side with four arm spine articulations (Fig. 3 I 1), inner ventral part with a perforation (Fig. 3 I 2). Vertebrae subequal in height and width, articulation zygospondylous, dorsal and ventral grooves present, dorsal lateral edge smooth and rounded, ventral lateral edge convergent (Fig. 3 J). Paratypes and non-type variations Paratypes DD 4.43 – 15.74 mm, non-types DD 3.61 – 17.65 mm. Disc granules denser in smaller individuals, reaching 408 / mm ² (Fig. 5 A). Oral shields ratios stable across all sizes (Fig. 5 B). W / L ratios of dorsal arm plates lower in young individuals, higher in larger specimens (Fig. 5 C). Four arm spines from proximal arm segments in almost all examined specimens, five arm spines in only two specimens. Second dorsalmost arm spines from 15 th – 18 th arm segment of most large individuals prominently elongated, swollen, absent in smaller individuals (Fig. 5 D). For the detailed results, see Morphological analyses on Breviturma securis sp. nov. Coloration In life, the dorsal disc and ventral interradial areas exhibit a yellowish-gray to greenish-gray coloration, variegated with lighter and darker patches. These regions are adorned with discontinuous short dark lines that never form a reticular pattern (Figs 2 A, 4 A – D). In juveniles, a dark ‘ star’ may occasionally appear at the center of the disc but never connects to the arm base (Fig. 4 E – F). Dorsal arm plates share the disc’s background color but feature a dark ‘ axe-shaped’ pattern in the center, the ‘ axe bit’ is at proximal side and the ‘ axe poll’ is at the distal side (Fig. 2 E). Darker plates occur every two to three segments on both the dorsal and ventral arm plates, giving the arms a transversely banded appearance (Figs 2 A, 4 A – F). Arm spines are light gray with irregular darker annulations (Fig. 2 E – F). Oral shields, jaws, and ventral arm plates are very light in color, either white or creamy yellow (Fig. 2 B, D, F). Tentacle scales are white, occasionally exhibiting tiny dark dots (Fig. 2 D, F). Tube feet are white (Fig. 2 D, F).	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCDFDF87514FC8FFDA5.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecological and behavioral notes This species inhabits sandy substrates beneath rocks, ranging from the intertidal zone to shallow subtidal depths of up to 8 m. It is highly sympatric with other brittle stars, including B. dentata, B. krohi, Ophiocoma scolopendrina, and Amphipholis squamata (Delle Chiaje, 1828). On one occasion, an individual was parasitized by a snail (Eulimidae sp.) attached at the base of an arm (Fig. 4 G – H).	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCDFDF87514FC8FFDA5.taxon	distribution	Distribution Reunion Island; Taiwan; Papua New Guinea.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9820FFCDFDF87514FC8FFDA5.taxon	discussion	Remarks Breviturma securis sp. nov. was previously misidentified as B. brevipes in Taiwan, including in academic literature (e. g., Chao et al. 1991) and in field guides (Hung 2000). The photographs for B. brevipes in those publications obviously match the new species in both morphology and coloration, showing strong arm spines, a greenish base color, variegated dark and light spots, and a conspicuous dark ‘ axe’ pattern on the dorsal arm plates. For the same reasons, in a field guide to tropical Indo-Pacific echinoderms (Ryanskiy 2020), three records were identified as Breviturma sp., Ophionereis sp., and Ophiodermatidae sp., respectively; all should be referred to this new species. In our previous work (Shih et al. 2023), the new species was recorded from Lanyu, Taiwan, under the name Breviturma aff. dentata because of the presence of four strong arm spines, yet it exhibited a completely different coloration from the typical B. dentata (Müller & Troschel, 1842). The specimens from Lanyu are now designated as the holotype and paratypes in this study. Furthermore, three specimens labeled as “ Ophiocoma brevipes ” archived in the NMNS (see Other material examined under Breviturma securis sp. nov.) were reexamined and confirmed to belong to this new species. These two species can be distinguished by their coloration and the number of AS on the proximal arm segments (see Discussion).	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9822FFCDFF3373A1FD94FB96.taxon	materials_examined	TAIWAN – Penghu County • 1 spec.; Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 24.9 ″ N, 119 ° 39 ′ 59.4 ″ E; depth <1 m; 22 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17289 • 3 specs; Wang’an, Dongyupingyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 29.1 ″ N, 119 ° 30 ′ 46.5 ″ E; depth 1 m; 28 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17279. – Pingtung County • 2 specs; Hengchun, Wanlitong; 21 ° 59 ′ 42.4 ″ N, 120 ° 42 ′ 22.3 ″ E; depth 5 m; 28 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17288. – Taitung County • 1 spec.; Lanyu, Langdao; 22 ° 04 ′ 45.3 ″ N, 121 ° 31 ′ 47.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 25 May 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17285 • 2 specs.; Lanyu, Longmen Harbor; 22 ° 00 ′ 16.5 ″ N, 121 ° 34 ′ 52.7 ″ E; depth 7 m; 24 May 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17278 • 1 spec.; Lanyu, Langdao; 22 ° 04 ′ 52.9 ″ N, 121 ° 32 ′ 07.9 ″ E; depth 7 m; 4 Jul. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17286 • 1 spec.; Lanyu, Langdao; 22 ° 04 ′ 45.3 ″ N, 121 ° 31 ′ 47.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 6 Jul. 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17287.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9829FFC5FE697414FE9BFDC4.taxon	description	Fig. 6	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9829FFC5FE697414FE9BFDC4.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis The dorsal disc is densely covered with fine granules that extend seamlessly to the oral side. The oral shields are trapezoidal, while the adoral shields are unevenly triangular. There are four oral papillae and eight to ten tooth papillae. The dorsal arm plates are oval in shape. The arm spines are tapering, with numbers ranging fromthree to five; the proximal arm segments consistently have five spines. The ventral arm plates are pentagonal, each bearing two oval tentacle scales on its lateral sides. The coloration is yellowish-brown, with dark brown patterns on the dorsal disc (Fig. 6 A, C, E – F). Some of these patterns are pentamerously symmetrical, while others are uniformly dark. The central patterns on the dorsal arm plates are also dark. The arms are transversely banded (Fig. 6), with the arm spines being dark gray. On the oral side, the coloration is light, with tiny dark spots scattered across the surface (Fig. 6 B, D).	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9829FFC5FE697414FE9BFDC4.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined TAIWAN – Penghu County • 10 specs (DD = 4.03 – 12.17 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 24.9 ″ N, 119 ° 39 ′ 59.4 ″ E; depth <1 m; 22 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17274 • 1 spec. (DD = 8.68 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 24.9 ″ N, 119 ° 39 ′ 59.4 ″ E; depth <1 m; 24 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17275 • 5 specs (DD = 7.67 – 12.13 mm); Wang’an, Dongjiyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 24.9 ″ N, 119 ° 39 ′ 59.4 ″ E; depth <1 m; 25 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17276 • 2 specs (DD = 10.90 – 11.01 mm); Wang’an, Dongyupingyu; 23 ° 15 ′ 29.1 ″ N, 119 ° 30 ′ 46.5 ″ E; depth 1 m; 28 Apr. 2024; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17277. – Pingtung County • 2 specs (DD = 6.05 – 9.36 mm); Siaoliouciou, Shanfu Fishery Harbor; 22 ° 20 ′ 24.4 ″ N, 120 ° 21 ′ 46.2 ″ E; depth <1 m; 12 Feb. 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17258 • 1 spec. (DD = 10.99 mm); Checheng, Huangjin Beach; 22 ° 04 ′ 52.6 ″ N, 120 ° 42 ′ 06.2 ″ E; depth <1 m; 25 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17270 • 3 specs (DD = 7.27 – 9.12 mm); Hengchun, Houbihu; 21 ° 56 ′ 18.9 ″ N, 120 ° 44 ′ 43.6 ″ E; depth <1 m; 25 Dec. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17269 • 2 specs (DD = 10.46 – 12.06 mm); Hengchun, Wanlitong; 21 ° 59 ′ 44.4 ″ N 120 ° 42 ′ 22.2 ″ E; depth <1 m; 26 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17271 • 6 specs (DD = 3.95 – 12.73 mm); Hengchun, Wanlitong; 21 ° 59 ′ 42.4 ″ N, 120 ° 42 ′ 22.3 ″ E; depth 5 m; 28 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17273 • 1 spec. (DD = 12.27 mm); Mudan, Gangzaibi; 22 ° 08 ′ 49.8 ″ N, 120 ° 53 ′ 32.4 ″ E; depth <1 m; 27 Feb. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17272. – Taitung County • 2 specs (DD = 6.21 – 9.43 mm); Chenggong, Jihuei; 23 ° 07 ′ 00.4 ″ N, 121 ° 23 ′ 50.1 ″ E; depth <1 m; 11 Apr. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17260 • 6 specs (DD = 6.81 – 11.73 mm); Donghe, Dulan; 22 ° 51 ′ 51.7 ″ N, 121 ° 12 ′ 34.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 16 Oct. 2024; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17337 • 1 spec. (DD = 6.20 mm); Lanyu, Dongcing; 22 ° 04 ′ 29.2 ″ N, 121 ° 34 ′ 04.3 ″ E; depth <1 m; 15 Mar. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17259 • 4 specs (DD = 9.00 – 12.99 mm); Lanyu, Longmen Harbor; 22 ° 00 ′ 16.5 ″ N, 121 ° 34 ′ 52.7 ″ E; depth 7 m; 23 May 2023; C. - H. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17261 • 3 specs (DD = 9.44 – 12.07 mm); Lanyu, Longmen Harbor; 22 ° 00 ′ 16.5 ″ N, 121 ° 34 ′ 52.7 ″ E; depth 7 m; 24 May 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17262 • 1 spec. (DD = 17.17 mm); Lanyu, Langdao; 22 ° 04 ′ 45.3 ″ N, 121 ° 31 ′ 47.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 25 May 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17263 • 1 spec. (DD = 13.57 mm); Lanyu, Langdao; 22 ° 04 ′ 45.3 ″ N, 121 ° 31 ′ 47.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 6 Jul. 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17264 • 1 spec. (DD = 11.36 mm); Lanyu, Dongcing; 22 ° 03 ′ 23.1 ″ N, 121 ° 33 ′ 56.8 ″ E; depth <1 m; 6 Jul. 2023; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17265 • 8 specs (DD = 4.94 – 13.23 mm); Lanyu, “ Jimavonot ” [Jade Maiden Rock]; 22 ° 04 ′ 53.6 ″ N, 121 ° 31 ′ 05.7 ″ E; depth 8 m; 7 Jul. 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17266 • 1 spec. (DD = 15.58 mm); Lanyu, Langdao; 22 ° 04 ′ 45.3 ″ N, 121 ° 31 ′ 47.9 ″ E; depth <1 m; 15 Sep. 2023; K. Chang and Y. - C. Hsu leg.; NCHUZOOL 17267 • 1 spec. (DD = 8.45 mm); Lanyu, Hongtou; 22 ° 01 ′ 19.4 ″ N, 121 ° 33 ′ 29.7 ″ E; depth <1 m; 15 Sep. 15; K. Chang et al. leg.; NCHUZOOL 17268.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9829FFC5FE697414FE9BFDC4.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecological and behavioral notes This species inhabits sandy substrates beneath rocks, ranging from the intertidal zone to shallow subtidal zone. In Taiwan, it is highly sympatric with other brittle stars, including B. dentata, B. securis sp. nov., Ophiocoma scolopendrina, and Amphipholis squamata.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9829FFC5FE697414FE9BFDC4.taxon	distribution	Distribution Indo-West Pacific: Reunion Island; Okinawa Islands, Japan; Taiwan; Philippines; Palau; Mariana Islands; Wake Island; Samoa; Niue; Hawaii; Society Islands, Polynesia.	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
0385423B9829FFC5FE697414FE9BFDC4.taxon	discussion	Remarks Breviturma krohi with uniformly dark color pattern sometimes can be confused with B. dentata in appearance. While these two species can be separated using 1) the arm spine numbers from proximal arm segments, which are four or five (Stöhr et al. 2013; our material) (vs four in B. dentata); 2) the W / L ratios of dorsal arm plates, which are lower in B. krohi (ca 1.8) (Stöhr et al. 2013) (vs 2.0 in B. dentata); and 3) the maximum disc diameter of this species, which is 17.17 mm in our material (vs 28 mm in B. dentata).	en	Chang, Kai, Shih, Hsi-Te (2025): Description of a new brittle star of the genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy 997: 28-50, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/2919/13213
