Laetmaster spectabilis ( Perrier 1881 )

Mah, Christopher L., 2024, Two New Taxa of Goniasteridae (Asteroidea, Echinodermata) and Noteworthy Observations of Deep-Sea Asteroidea by the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer in the North and Tropical Atlantic, Zootaxa 5432 (4), pp. 461-508 : 497-498

Laetmaster spectabilis ( Perrier 1881)

FIGURE 16

Ctenaster spectabilis Perrier 1881: 18 ; 1884: 215; 1894: 155

Laetmaster spectabilis Fisher 1908: 88 ; Kennedy et al. (2015): 22

Diagnosis

As for genus.

Comments

This is the first observation of this species since its description and the first time it has been observed in situ. The observed individual is consistent with the description of the holotype, MCZ 910, as summarized in Clark & Downey (1992). Arm number is identical to that of the holotype. Color of the observed individual is white with tan highlights.

The individual was observed on a vertical rock face, which was covered by dark brown, flocculent material. Depth occurrence (3915 m) was considerably deeper than that of the holotype (1521 m).

Occurrence

Only known occurrence. Havana, Cuba, 1521 m New occurrence. Mona Canyon, Puerto Rico, 3915 m.

Image Observed

Mona Canyon, Puerto Rico, 3915 m.

EX1502L3_IMG_20150414T185040Z_ROVHD_ASR_TIGHT.jpg

Figures

FIGURE 16. Laetmaster spectabilis Mona Canyon, Puerto Rico. 3915 m.