Meridiastra is a genus of star fish in the family Asterinidae.[2][3] The genus is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans,[4] with most records from the waters around Australia.[3] They occur in shallow waters down to a depth of about 59 m (194 ft). Meridiastra are morphologically similar to the Atlantic genus Asterina. They are also phylogenetically close and possibly sister genera.[4]

Etymology

The generic name is derived from the Latin meridies (=south) and astrum (=star), in reference to the southern Australian and Pacific distribution of the genus[1] (at the time of description – the genus now includes also species occurring on the northern hemisphere (Mexico, Panama)[4]).

6-armed star fish
Meridiastra calcar – an example of a species with distinct rays
6-armed star fish
Meridiastra medius – an example of a species with indistinct rays

Description

Meridiastra are sea stars with five to eight rays (arms). They range from very small (Meridiastra rapa: radius 6 mm (0.24 in)) to medium-sized (Meridiastra gunnii: radius 56 mm (2.2 in)). The interradial margin is straight to incurved; when the rays are distinct, they have narrowly rounded to pointed tips.[4] One species, Meridiastra fissura, is fissiparous.[1][4]

Species

There are 11 recognized species:[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c O'Loughlin, P. M. (2002). "New genus and species of southern Australian and Pacific Asterinidae (Echinodermata, Asteroidea)". Memoirs of Museum Victoria. 59 (2): 277–296. doi:10.24199/j.mmv.2002.59.2.
  2. ^ a b Mah CL, ed. (2023). "Meridiastra O'Loughlin, 2002". World Asteroidea Database. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Meridiastra O'Loughlin, 2002". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e O’Loughlin, P. Mark & Waters, Jonathan M. (2004). "A molecular and morphological revision of genera of Asterinidae (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)". Memoirs of Museum Victoria. 61 (1): 1–40. doi:10.24199/j.mmv.2004.61.1.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridiastra
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