Astroceramus callimorphus Fisher 1906

Mah, Christopher L., 2015, New species, corallivory, in situ video observations and overview of the Goniasteridae (Valvatida, Asteroidea) in the Hawaiian Region, Zootaxa 3926 (2), pp. 211-228 : 217

Astroceramus callimorphus Fisher 1906

Figure 2 A

Fisher, 1906: 1056; A.M. Clark 1993: 243 (checklist); Mah 1998: 67 (checklist); Kogure & Tachikawa 2009: 80, 81.

Feeding comments. One image (R-110-d2-007) shows Astroceramus callimorphus with its disk hunched over what are identified as caryophyllid corals ( Fig. 2 A). The position of the animal indicates positioning of the stomach over the polyps of the coral, this is interpreted as feeding behavior by this species on the coral. The Atlantic Tessellaster notablis which possesses a broadly similar body form to Astroceramus , with triangular, elongate arms with abutting superomarginals over the arm radius, was recorded by H.L. Clark (1941) as having had the solitary coral Bathyactis symmetrica (now Fungiacyathus symmetricus ) in its stomach suggesting convergent morphology.

Occurrence. Hawaiian Islands: Kona, Kahoolawe, East French Frigate Shoals. 233– 503 m.

Video observations. P5-281-010. Kona, Big Island. 19.63345, -156.0369333, 503 m.

R-110-d1-02229 & R-110-d2-007. Kahoolawe. 20.633, -156.7135 to 20.6341, -156.7073, 282–294 m; R-188- d1-02244. East French Frigate Shoals, NWHI, 23.8806, -165.8259, 297 m.

Figures

FIGURE 2. In situ video observations of Goniasteridae. A. Astroceramus callimorphus hunched over prey. B. Astroceramus eldredgei n. sp. on substrate. C. A. eldredgei n. sp. feeding on Paragorgia? D. A. eldredgei n. sp. feeding on the blue plexaurid octocoral Astromuricea theophilasi E. A. eldredgei n. sp. the blue plexaurid octocoral Astromuricea theophilasi F. Calliaster pedicellaris feeding observation.