Clarkcomanthus cf. littoralis ( Carpenter, 1888 )

Summers, Mindi M., Messing, Charles G. & Rouse, Greg W., 2017, The genera and species of Comatulidae (Comatulida: Crinoidea): taxonomic revisions and a molecular and morphological guide, Zootaxa 4268 (2), pp. 151-190 : 181

Clarkcomanthus cf. littoralis ( Carpenter, 1888)

Fig. 13 M–N

Remarks. Our molecular results recovered a second clade composed of specimens identifiable on morphological grounds as Clarkcomanthus littoralis that included color patterns characteristic of all three groups recognized by Rowe et al. (1986). Members of this clade lack cirri as adults and the radials are never obscured, as in Rowe et al. ’s (1986) group 2. However, because we cannot confidently place the holotype of Cl. littoralis in one or the other of these two clades, we treat this second clade as Clarkcomanthus cf. littoralis , pending collection and analysis of material from the type locality and re-examination of the holotype. This species occurs partially concealed within the reef infrastructure, often with arms exposed.

Figures

FIGURE 13. Clarkcomanthus. (A – J) Clarkcomanthus albinotus— (A) live, oral view following extraction from rubble; (B) semicryptic under ledge; (C – H) aboral views; (I – J) short combs tapering near tip, with J showing paired confluent comb teeth. (K – L) Clarkcomanthus luteofuscum, aboral surface showing rounded centrodorsal with row of cirri. (M – N) Clarkcomanthus cf. littoralis — (M) aboral surface showing centrodorsal with no cirri; (N) comb with separated confluent teeth, smaller near tip. (O – R) Clarkcomanthus comanthipinnus— (O, P) live, oral view following extraction from rubble; (Q) aboral surfaces showing rounded centrodorsal with few cirri at interradials; (R) comb tapering to distal point, composed of separated nonconfluent teeth. (S – T) Clarkcomanthus mirus— (S) aboral surface showing centrodorsal with cirrus buds at interradials; (T) comb tapering to blunt tip, composed of separated nonconfluent teeth. Madang, Papua New Guinea: A. MNHN-IE- 2013 - 8060; B, C. MNHN-IE- 2013 - 8122; D. MNHN-IE- 2013 - 8068; K. MNHN-IE- 2013 - 8184; O. MNHN-IE- 2013 - 8082; P. MNHN-IE- 2013 - 8151. Raja Ampat, Indonesia: E. SIO-BIC E 6186; F. SIO-BIC E 6187; G, I. SIO-BIC E 6190; L. SIO-BIC E 6210; M, N. SIO-BIC E 6193. South Island, near Lizard Island, Australia: H, J. AM J 17360; holotype. Lizard Island, Australia: Q-R. AM J 16992, holotype; S, T. AM J 17202, holotype.