taxonID	type	description	language	source
6233CD02612B3F77FF2481973BACAFA6.taxon	discussion	Four species of Luidia are known from the Persian Gulf, three of which, L. hardwicki, L. maculata and L. prionota have been recorded frequently in the region. Despite extensive surveys, L. quinaria has not been re-encountered since it was apparently collected from the extreme north of the Persian Gulf by the R. I. M. S Investigator (Koehler 1910). We have not been able to examine this specimen, but the similarity of this species with other more widely reported species in the region, none of which were reported by Koehler and lack of subsequent collection, suggests that the status of this taxon within the Gulf should be treated as suspect.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02612A3F76FF2487C539FEA98F.taxon	materials_examined	Type: Luidia fragilissima Forbes, 1839,	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02612A3F76FF2487C539FEA98F.taxon	materials_examined	a synonym of Asterias ciliaris Philippi, 1837, by monotypy	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02612A3F76FF2487C539FEA98F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Arms 5 – 11, elongate and gently tapering, lower surface almost flat. Abactinal plates highly paxilliform, the two most lateral series at least forming regular longitudinal rows. Supero-marginal plates much smaller than infero-marginal plates, often difficult to distinguish from similar sized adjacent lateral paxillae (expect in East Pacific subgenus Platasterias). Infero-marginals large and prominent, each bearing several long spines. Interradial areas small, adambulacral plates broad and bandlike, bearing 2 – 4 large spines. The inner-most (furrow) spine compressed, curved and sabre-like. Tube feet tapering to knob-like tip and lacking terminal suckers. Modified from Clark & Downey (1992).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02612A3F76FF2485153B8DAC93.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 1 specimen (ZMSBUK- 1670) R = 48 mm, r = 7 mm	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02612A3F76FF2485153B8DAC93.taxon	description	Description: (Figs. 2 – 5) Five (rarely six) long, slender arms branching from a small disc; actinal surface flat, aboral surface more obviously convex; Abactinal surface covered in densely packed paxillae, smaller towards disc centre, gradually increasing in size towards margins; admarginal paxillae clearly enlarged and broadly rectangular, arranged in 3 – 4 longitudinal series; admarginal paxillae with up to 13 central granules and 22 peripheral ones in larger specimens madreporite inconspicuous, largely concealed by paxillae; Supero-marginal plates not distinct, body margin defined by clear infero-marginal plates. Each infero-marginal plate bears a single, large flattened, sharp primary spine flanked by several smaller secondary spines in series down the middle of the plate; terminal disc in tube feet absent, feet instead tapering to distinctive point; Abactinal surface uniform in colour, lacking marked pattern except for a conspicuous lighter spot at the end of each arm	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02612A3F76FF2485153B8DAC93.taxon	distribution	Observations: Intertidal to 35 m depth; in sandy and muddy areas. Recorded in the present study at Bandar Abbas, Bostaneh, Bushehr and Bandar-e Lengeh and also in Hengam, Hormuz, Larak, Qeshm, Lavan, Kish and Khark Islands. Previously reported in the Persian Gulf: (Clark & Rowe 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1983; Pourvali et al. 2014; Pourvali 2015; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261283F74FF2483BA3BB5AE59.taxon	materials_examined	Type: Asterias aranciaca Linnaeus, 1758, by subsequent designation (Fisher 1908)	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261283F74FF2483BA3BB5AE59.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Usually five arms, merging with the disc to produce rounded inter-radial arc. Supero-marginals usually smaller than infero-marginals, but much larger than, and distinct from, adjacent abactinall paxillae. Infero-marginal plates with irregularly distributed, horse-shoe shaped tubercles bearing conspicuous erect or appressed spines fringing the ambitus. Actinal interradial areas small, restricted to disc, usually only in a single series. Adambulacral furrow with three spines, only ambulacrals, superambulacrals and madreporite unarmoured with spines, spinules or granules. Modified from Clark and Downey, 1992.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261283F74FF2484F6398CACEC.taxon	description	Of the Astropectinidae, only the genus Astropecten is currently known from the Persian Gulf. Five species have been recorded from this region, of which four are represented in the current study. Astropecten polyacanthus is represented by two subspecies: A. polycanthus polyacanthus, Müller & Troschel, 1842 and A. polyacanthus phragmorus Fisher, 1913. All appear to be relatively common in soft substrates throughout the northern Persian Gulf, although some are relatively localised.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261283F74FF2487C53B7EA929.taxon	description	Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Koehler 1910; Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; James & Pearse 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1982 b; Price 1983).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261283F74FF2486C53CC2AA55.taxon	description	Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; Price 1982 a).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261283F74FF2485213D66AB28.taxon	discussion	“ Not recorded in present survey. ” Only a single individual of this species has been reported previously from the extreme north of the Persian Gulf: (Koehler 1910). This species is otherwise only know from the South China Sea and Japan, and the lack of any repeated collection, despite considerable effort, makes the status of this species in the Gulf suspect (see above).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261283F7AFF2481263D2EAE68.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 4 specimens (ZMSBUK- 1639 / 1 _ ZMSBUK- 1639 / 4) Largest sampled specimen in this study: R: 56 mm, r: 19 mm Description: (Figs. 6 – 10) Five arms, disk relatively large and arms correspondingly shorter than in other Persian Gulf Astropecten species (R / r 3: 1). Abactinal surface with numerous densely packed paxillae at the centre of the disc, becoming larger towards the periphery although those in the arm axes largest, up to 11 central granules. Madreporite small, often concealed by abactinal paxillae Body margin defined by large supero-marginal plates, rectangular in abactinal aspect, each possessing a series of granules, one of which is clearly enlarged on all by the most proximal; Long, spatulate primary spines extending from inferomarginal plate at right angles to the ray, 4 – 6 smaller accessory spines below the primary spine not in distinctive row, remainder of inferomarginal plates covered in spinlets; terminal disc in tube feet absent, feet instead tapering to distinctive point. Abactinal surface distinctly dark red to pale orange with irregular fusiform dark pink or pale red spots. Pattern faded by persistent in alcohol. Observations: Found intertidally among mixed sandy / rock substrate; Recorded in the present study at Qeshm and Hengam Islands. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf; (Price 1982 a; Price 1983; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261263F78FF2481043B6FAC75.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 13 specimens (ZMSBUK- 1667 / 1 _ ZMSBUK- 1667 / 13) Largest sampled specimen in this study: R: 52 mm, r: 15 mm. Description: (Figs. 11 – 14) Five (occasionally six) arms, triangular in abactinal aspect, disk relatively reduced compared to Astropecten hemprichi (R / r 3.5: 1); Abactinal surface covered in small, tightly packed paxillae, those of the arm arranged in fine rows perpendicular to the axis of the ray; madreporite conspicuous, not covered by paxillae; body margin defined by supero-marginal plates each of which bear a small conical spine on the distal margin; infero-marginal plates with a relatively long spine extending to form a conspicuous fringe. No prominent secondary spines on infero-marginals, but occasionally one or two smaller spines present. Remainder of plate covered in numerous elongate granules; terminal disc in tube feet absent, feet instead tapering to distinctive point. Colour of abactinal surface in live specimens greyish to pale yellow with prominent dark bank along the axis of each arms extending to the centre of the disc. Observations: Astropecten indicus shares the same ecological niche within the Gulf as A. pugnax. Found in sandy and muddy areas from intertidal to 25 m. Recorded in the present study at Hendijan, Genaveh, Bushehr, Bandar Abbas and Strait of Hormuz. All specimens collected were sampled by shrimp trawler. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1983; George 2012; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261243F78FF24833339A0AD51.taxon	description	Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1982 b; Price 1983; Pourvali et al. 2014; Pourvali 2015).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261243F7EFF2482963A5BA9F3.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 1 specimen (ZMSBUK- 1642) R: 74 mm, r: 18 mm Description: (Figs. 15 – 17) Five long arms, rectangular in cross section, with a relatively small disc (R / r:> 4: 1). Actinal and abactinal surface very flattened. Abactinal paxillae relatively large, particularly so toward the axis of the arms and centre of the disc where they bear up to 18 granules; peripheral paxillae somewhat smaller with up to 8 central granules; madreporite clearly visible but not large; body margin defined by supero-marginal plates each with a large vertically erect, sharp spine, except on the second and occasionally third most proximal plates were this is absent. Most proximal supero-marginal spine very prominent. Infero-marginal plates each with a prominent spine and 4 – 5 smaller spines arranged in a fine row along the distal plate edge. Remainder of infero-marginal plate covered in smaller spinelets. Actinal surface largely covered by an extension of the infero-marginal plates; adambulacral plates with three furrow row spines; terminal disc in tube feet absent, feet instead tapering to distinctive point. Observations: Mainly found in sandy and / or sandy-rock shores from the intertidal to 5 m. Live specimens have a tendency to almost disappear into sandy bottoms by sifting themselves into the substrate. Recorded in the present study at Nayband Bay, Bostaneh in main land and, Qeshm, Hengam, Larak, Hormuz, Lavan and Kish Islands. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940; Clark & Bowen 1949; Clark & Rowe 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1982 b; Price 1983; Khayat 2005; George 2012; Pourvali et al. 2014; Pourvali 2015; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261223F7EFF2486893AB8AEE3.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 10 specimens (material now lost) Largest sampled specimen in this study: R: 58 mm, r: 13 mm.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261223F7EFF2486893AB8AEE3.taxon	description	Description: (Figs. 18 – 21) Five long arms, quadrangular in cross section, with a relatively small disc (R / r:> 4: 1). Actinal and abactinal surface flattened; Abactinal paxillae large towards centre of disc and along mid-radial axis of arms with up to 17 granules. Peripheral paxillae much smaller along arm and disc margins, with only up to 6 granules; madreporite clearly visible; body margin defined by supero-marginal plates which all contain a sharp vertical spine on the abactinal surface including the second and third most proximal plates unlike in A. polyacanthus polyacanthus; each infero-marginal plate wih a single, long, sharp primary spine surrounded by numerous spinelets and with up to 5 smaller secondary spines below the primary spine; terminal disc in tube feet absent, feet instead tapering to distinctive point; colour in live specimens usually creamy to yellow or grayish with prominent dark spots on the disc and along arms, more or less symmetrical across the arm axis.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261223F7EFF2486893AB8AEE3.taxon	discussion	Taxonomic notes: The two subspecies of Astropecten polyacanthus in the Persian Gulf [A. polyacanthus polyacnthus and A. polyacanthus phragmorus] occur in the same substrates and are highly morphologically similar. Mortensen (1940: 61) noted specimens of A. polyacanthus and A. phragmorus in the Persian Gulf that appeared to intergrade between what were then two distinct species (Döderlein (1917: 178) having raised the latter species to specific rank). Clark (1974: 433) agreed with this assessment, having also worked on Persian Gulf material and reduced A. phragmorus to the status of a subspecies of A. polyacanthus. It has been treated as such by all subsequent authorities. The only consistent difference between the two subspecies observed in this study is the presence of a spine on all proximal supero-marginal plates in A. polycanthus phragmorus and its absence from the second more proximal supero-marginal plate in A. polyacanthus polyacanthus. Fewer observations were made of A. polycanthus phragmorus than A. polyacanthus polyacanthus, and this subspecies has been far less commonly reported in the literature. However, we recorded both subspecies at several localities and it is possible that A. polycanthus phragmorus is more widely distributed in the Persian Gulf than currently recognised. The high similarity, and potential for integradation, between subspecies may have led to misidentification of some specimens as A. polyacanthus polyacanthus in earlier studies.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261223F7EFF2486893AB8AEE3.taxon	distribution	Observations: Sandy and sandy / rocky intertidal to 2 m; Recorded in the present study at Nayband Bay, Bostaneh, and also at Hormuz, Hengam, Qeshm and Lavan Islands. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; Clark 1974; Price 1983; Pourvali 2015; Adeli et al 2022); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261203F63FF24827A3C1EA8AF.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 14 specimens (ZMSBUK- 1671 / 1 - ZMSBUK- 1671 / 14) Largest specimen in this study: R: 55 mm, r: 12 mm. Description: (Figs. 22 – 24) Five or six long arms, quadrangular in cross section, with a relatively small disc (R / r: ~ 4.5: 1). Actinal and abactinal surface flattened; Abactinal surface covered in large paxillae with up to 35 evenly spaced granules towards the centre of the disc, slightly smaller towards the periphery; madreporite inconspicuous, often concealed within paxillae; body margin defined by supero-marginal plates which form a narrow band around the body edge. First most proximal supero-marginal plates with spine arising from the proximal surface, subsequent 4 – 5 most proximal supero-marginal plates spinless, remaining plates with small spine on abactinal surface towards the peripheral plate edge; infero-marginal plates with single, large pointed primary spine and an unequal series of smaller secondary spines below; terminal disc in tube feet absent, feet instead tapering to distinctive point; colour in live specimens uniformally pale yellowish to pale grayish, no distinctive pattern. Observations: Occurs on muddy substrates from 8 m to 25 m. Recorded in the present study from Hendijan, Genaveh and Bushehr. A single specimen was observed in the subtidal area at low tide at, Bandar Abbas, Strait of Hormuz. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Koehler 1910; Mortensen, 1940; Clark & Bowen 1949; Clark & Rowe 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1983; George 2012); present study. Astropecten pugnax was the first species of asteroid to be described specifically from Persian Gulf material.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613E3F62FF24834F3BEDACB8.taxon	distribution	“ Not recorded in present study. ” Previous reported from the Persian Gulf: (Price & Rezai 1996; George 2012).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613E3F62FF2482F13C93AE33.taxon	distribution	“ Not recorded in present study. ” Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Koehler 1910; Mortensen 1940; Price 1982 a).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613E3F62FF2481B03CD4AFD1.taxon	description	Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Koehler 1910 [As Stellaster incei]; Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; Price 1982 a; James 1997 [As Stellaster equestris]; Sastry 2007 [As Stellaster childreni]).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613D3F61FF2486483C90A9CB.taxon	distribution	“ Not recorded in present study. ” Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1983).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613D3F61FF2484773B8FABB3.taxon	description	Previous reported from the Persian Gulf: (Koehler 1910 [as Linckia pacifica]; Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; Price 1982 a; Sastry 2007; George 2012 [as Linckia guildingi]).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613D3F61FF2486A73BD3AA9B.taxon	materials_examined	Type: Linckia typus Nardo, 1834, a synonym of Asterias laevigata Linnaeus, 1758, by original designation	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613D3F61FF2486A73BD3AA9B.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Arms 4 – 8 (usually 5), hardly, if at all, tapering, almost completely cylindrical. Disc small (R / r often 10: 1 or greater). Abactinal plates irregularly arranges and all plates covered with granules. Papular pores in groups between plates rarely extending below inferomarginal series. Ambulacral armature in two (occasionally three) series, spines short often appearing granuliform. No pedicellariae.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613D3F67FF24835F3CA2A91F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 6 specimens (ZMSBUK- 1643 / 1 - ZMSBUK- 1643 / 6) Largest sampled specimen in this study: R: 153 mm, r: 13 mm.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613D3F67FF24835F3CA2A91F.taxon	description	Description: (Figs. 25 – 28) Five (occasionally four to six) long thin arms and small disc (R / r:> 10: 1), arms typically unequal and cylindrical, almost completely circular in cross-section; plates of abactinal surface with irregularly spaced mix of numerous, flat granules and closed pores; no obvious gonopores; two madreporites typical; no distinctive supero-marginal or infero-marginal plates defining body margin; plates on actinal surface covered by dense, small granules; ambulacral plates with conspicuous protruded edge; subambulacral spines rounded and granule like, separated and barely projecting from the plate surface, surrounded by many smaller granules; tube feet cylindrical with terminal disc; colour in live specimens usually khaki or red with brownish-yellow and / or purplish-red arm spots, colour completely bleaches in alcohol.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613D3F67FF24835F3CA2A91F.taxon	distribution	Observations: Found on hard substrates, occasionally amongst shells, gravels, dead - corals, or on coralreefs; from 2 m to 13 m; Recorded in the present study from Hengam, Qeshm, Larak, Lavan, Kish, Kharg and Kharku Islands. Observed subtidally at Bostaneh. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1982 b; Price 1983; Khayat 2005; George 2012; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613B3F67FF2486E43B6BAB75.taxon	distribution	“ Not recorded in present study. ” Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Purwati & Lane 2004; Adeli et al. 2022). Despite the publications listed above, the existence of Linckia laevigata in the Persian Gulf should remain circumspect. Purwati and Lane (2004) reported on the asteroid fauna of an expedition to the Anambas Islands in the southern South China Sea, listing the Persian Gulf as a further locality for L. laevigata. We were unable to trace any primary reference for this statement. Adeli et al (2022) reported on the first traceable specimens of L. laevigata from the Persian Gulf, but their images and description are not definitive for identification of this species.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613A3F66FF2484A53D90ACE6.taxon	distribution	“ Not recorded in present study. ” Previous reported from the Persian Gulf: (Clark & Rowe 1971 (pt); Price 1983 (pt); OʼLoughlin & Rowe 2006).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613A3F65FF2483BF3B65A883.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 22 specimens (ZMSBUK- 1651 / 1 - ZMSBUK- 1651 / 22) Largest sampled specimen in this study: R: 23 mm, r: 11 mm.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613A3F65FF2483BF3B65A883.taxon	description	Description: (Figs. 29 – 31) Five (occasionally four or six) equal or relatively subequal short arms (R / r ~ 2: 1), arms broader towards the disc, tapering to a rounded end distally; actinal surface flattened, abactinal surface somewhat convex with an acute lateral angle; abactinal plates small, covered in no more than 12 short, thick, conical spinelets; gonopores apparent in fresh specimens, located between abactinal plates; pedicellaria present, small, found in proximal abactinal interradii; supero-marginals and infero-marginals present but small, not forming prominent boundary to the body margin; supero-marginals smaller than infero-marginals, bearing ~ 6 spinelets. Infero-marginals with ~ 12 thicker spinelets at R = 23 mm; Actinal plates arranged in distinctive, narrow rows, containing a flattened series of up to 6 spinlets arrange in a row on the largest plates; tube feet cylindrical with central disc; colour in live specimens highly variable, base generally greyish with reddish, blue-grey, brown and green or occasionally violet spots. Colour in alcohol white or creamy with no distinctive patterning.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613A3F65FF2483BF3B65A883.taxon	distribution	Observations: Found on hard substrates or amongst reef / shell rubble and gravel, mainly under rocks. Intertidal area to 7 m; Recorded in the present study from Khor-e Musa, Oliye Jonubi (a small village next to Dayyer), Bushehr, Nayband Bay, Seyraf, Shirinoo, Kangan, Parsian, Bostaneh, Bandar-e Lengeh, Bandar Abbas. Also observed at Qeshm, Hengam, Hormuz, Larak, Abu Moussa, Kish, Lavan, Farur, Khark and Kharku Islands. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940 [As Asterina cephea var iranica]; Clark & Bowen 1949; Clark & Rowe 1971 (pt); Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1982 b; Price 1983 (pt) [As Asterina burtoni]; OʼLoughlin & Rowe 2006; George 2012; Pourvali et al. 2014; O’Loughlin & Bribiesca-Contreras 2015; Pourvali 2015; Adeli et al. 2022 [As Aquilonastra iranica]); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613A3F66FF2485393C52ABDF.taxon	materials_examined	Type: Asteriscus cepheus Müller & Troschel, 1842, by original designation	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613A3F66FF2485393C52ABDF.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Rays 5 (but typically 6 – 8 in fissiparous species), form stellate with interradial margin deepy incurved and rays discrete, broad at the base and tapering to a rounded distal end. Body surface flat actinally, high and convex abactinally. Abactinal plates in longitudinal series not perpendicular to the body margin, abactinal and actinal spinelets / spines predominantly fine, glassy, conical or sacciform in bands or tufts, numerous (typically 10 – 40 per plate). Papulate areas generally extensive, papulae predominantly single, large and in longitudinal series along rays. Superactinal plates present. Modified from O’Loughlin & Waters, 2004.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD02613A3F66FF2486753C64A9AB.taxon	distribution	A single specimen was observed, but not collected, at Farsi Island, from a depth of 23 m on a mixed sand / coral rubble substrate. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Price 1982 a; Price 1983); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261383F64FF2487C53A8FA91B.taxon	description	Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Soliman 1995; Soliman 1999 (by inference); OʼLoughlin & Rowe 2006 (by inference); Pourvali 2013; Pourvali 2015).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261363F6AFF2483D33D33AD5C.taxon	description	Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Clark 1938; Clark & Rowe 1971; Price 1982 a; James 1997)	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261363F6AFF24858438F0ABE5.taxon	description	Previous reported from the Persian Gulf: (Soliman 1999 (by inference); OʼLoughlin & Rowe 2006; Adeli et al. 2022).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261363F6AFF24822A3D24AFF0.taxon	materials_examined	Type: Asterias mammillata Audouin, 1826, by priority	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261363F6AFF24822A3D24AFF0.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Since it was established, it has been noted that Pentaceraster is problematic (Döderlein 1936; Clark & Rowe 1971) and particularly difficult to diagnose from the closely related genus Pentaster Döderlein, 1935. Although we are confident in the identification of Pentaceraster mammillatus below, the following generic diagnosis should not be treated as definitive. A full taxonomic revision of the genera is outside the scope of this study. Arms typically 5, well-developed, tapering to rounded points along distal half, interradial areas extensive. Primary radial plates typically crowned with high, conical prominences. Aboral skeleton reticular with secondary plates linking larger primary ones, leaving large well-defined pore-filled areas between, although these are not well developed as in Poraster Döderlein, 1916. Primary plates armed with evenly spaced conical tubercles, prominent on rays and at nodes between plates. Body not completely covered in low rounded warts on primary and secondary plates as in Pentaster Döderlein, 1935. Distal marginals and other plates covered with even sized, distinct, usually projecting granules. Actinal plates typically with some of the central granules elongated into short spines.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261353F69FF2487C53B86AB48.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: 1 specimen (ZMSBUK- 1691) R: 145 mm, r: 83 mm.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261353F69FF2487C53B86AB48.taxon	description	Description: (Figs. 35 – 37) Five arms, rounded at tips and with distinctly rounded interradial arcs; disc relatively large (R / r <~ 1.75: 1) with five large conical spines at the proximal end of each radial arm axis; A row of smaller, but still conspicuous stout tubercles running the length of each mid-arm axis; inter-axis abactinal plates with smaller tubercles arranges in a honeycomb pattern across the radial axis and with the region between tubercles filled with numerous small pores; single, conspicuous madreporite; Supero- and infero-marginal plates well developed and defining body margin, generally tuberculated with a single, prominent, stout granule in the centre of each plate; single row of large actinal plates running parallel to the infero-marginals with a larger distinctive granule on the distal margin; tube feet cylindrical with central disc; colour in live specimens grey blue with red or navy blue tubercles, towards the distal end of each arm, tubercles and body wall having the same colouration.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261353F69FF2487C53B86AB48.taxon	distribution	Observations: Occurs among sandy rubble and on shell flats near coral reef, from 8 m to 16 m; Recorded at Qeshm, Hengam, Larak, Kish, Lavan, Khark and Kharku Islands. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Khayat 2005; George 2012; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261343F68FF2484DB3AB8AC2D.taxon	description	One observation of this species was recorded from south of Larak Island (Dr Shokri, pers. comms, specimen lost). Previous records of Culcita novaeguinea from the Persian Gulf (Adeli et al. 2022) are likely to be this species, but material was not available for examination.	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
6233CD0261333F6FFF24863D3C90AA6E.taxon	distribution	“ Not recorded in present study. ” Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982 a; Price 1983).	en	Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh, Price, Andrew. R. G. (2025): Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa 5647 (3): 201-234, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
