Ophiactis amator Koehler, 1922

Ophiactis amator Koehler, 1922b: 34–36, pl. 81(1–6). — Rowe & Pawson, 1977: 349. — Rowe & Gates, 1995: 377–378.

Non Ophiactis amator .— Bernasconi & d’Agostino, 1974: 129–130, pl. 11(3–4) [see Brogger & O’Hara, 2015].

STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4915, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 56.85´S, 44° 0.07´E to 33° 58.8´S, 43° 55.3999´E, 1865–2058 m, 12/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2016.1362) (DNA code= IE.2016.1362) .

COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiactis amator Koehler, 1922b: IN2015_C01/064, Great Australian Bight, OR 13 Area 05, 34° 4.438´S, 129° 10.924´E to 34° 3.557´S, 129° 8.6852´E, 2649–2805 m, 13/11/2015 , MV F227385 (DNA code=F227385). Talud Continental 3/45, Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, 38° 1.913´S, 53° 39.268´W, 2934 m, 5/9/2013 , CNP-INV (DNA code=L45-2A). Talud Continental 3/55, Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, 37° 52.154´S, 53° 51.582´W, 1712 m, 8/9/2013 , CNP-INV (DNA code=L55-1). TAN1007/114, Kermadec deep, 35° 29.76´S, 178° 31.23´E to 35° 29.53´S, 178° 30.59´E, 3036– 3034 m, 7/6/2010, NIWA 64929 (DNA code= OAM1). TN228/J2-387-004, Z39 Seamount, Huon, 44° 23.345´S, 147° 16.277´E, 2004– 1990 m, 25/12/2008 , MV F168705 (DNA code=F168705) .

Distribution. S America (1712–3447 m), S Africa (2707–3036 m), S Australia (1688–4052 m), New Zealand (1473–3580 m), Walters Shoal (1865–2058 m).

Remarks. The specimens measure up to 6.5 mm dd, with relatively thin arms, and long spines and rounded plates on the disc. Genetic sequences from these animals cluster with other O. amator specimens from across the Southern Ocean from off Argentina to New Zealand. Mid bathyal specimens (e.g., NUI1666.2, 2400 m) from the North Atlantic cluster with O. abyssicola (see above).