Poraniomorpha abyssicola ( Verrill 1895 )

Mah, Christopher L., 2020, New species, occurrence records and observations of predation by deep-sea Asteroidea (Echinodermata) from the North Atlantic by NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer, Zootaxa 4766 (2), pp. 201-260 : 215

Poraniomorpha abyssicola ( Verrill 1895)

Fig. 5C

This species was identified by the highly rugose surface texture, cylindrical arms and the series of actinolateral spines present around the lower edge of the body. This represents the first observation of this species alive and in situ. Color in life was white with yellow highlights ( Fig. 5C ).

Poraniomorpha abyssicola was observed perched on what appeared to be a demosponge on the Blake Ridge dive site at 3403 m. This is the first observation of this species apparently feeding.

Occurrence: North Atlantic (west side) from latitude of Cape May to Cape Charles (c. 38.5- 37°N), Hudson Canyon. Blake Ridge, 2976–3740 m.

Images Observed

Blake Ridge, North Atlantic (off S. Carolina) 32.01258, -75.25909, 3403 m EX1806_IMG_20180615T152839Z_ROVHD.jpg

Figures

FIGURE 5. Poraniidae. A. Chondraster grandis on Acanthogorgia sp. “Unnamed canyon”,611 m. B. Marginaster pectinatus. Cape Fear, 373 m. C. Poraniomorpha abyssicola. Blake Ridge, 3403 m. D. and E. Chondraster grandis on Lophelia pertusa. Richardson Ridge, 781 m.