Ophiomusium facundum Koehler, 1922

Baker, Alan N., 2016, An illustrated catalogue of type specimens of the bathyal brittlestar genera Ophiomusium Lyman and Ophiosphalma H. L. Clark (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea), Zootaxa 4097 (1), pp. 1-40 : 10

Ophiomusium facundum Koehler, 1922 .

Figures 11 a, b

Ophiomusium facundum Koehler, 1922 ; Liao & A. M. Clark, 1995.

Lectotype USNM 41360 Albatross Station 5373 (station misspelt by Koehler as 5378), Marindique Id, Philippines, 618m. Paralectotype, USNM 41364, Albatross Station 5538, between Negros and Siquijor Ids, Philippines, 468m. Both specimens were examined by Koehler. Dr Marc Eleaume, Paris Museum, has recently informed me that a syntype of this species is in their collection: NMNH 10385, ex- Albatross Expedition.

Main Features: The lectotype is large - 18 mm d.d. Disc coarsely granulated, especially the large radial shields. 1 large interradial plate extends ventrally to abut with oral shield, which itself has a very wide distal section and a narrow proximal one. Dorsal and ventral arm plates throughout, dorsal midline sunken. Edges of lateral arm plate flared and granulated. 4–6 arms spines, lowermost 2 are close together, the others evenly and widely spaced. The 2nd lowest spine is fatter than the others. Two pairs of exposed tentacle pores. Genital slits reaching the distal corners of the first lateral arm plates.

The paralectotype USNM 41364 is figured ( Fig. 11)