taxonID	type	description	language	source
FF6987EEFFABFFD3FF54416B7E18FE7F.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Astropecten aranciacus (Linnaeus, 1758) (by subsequent designation by Fisher, 1908).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFABFFD3FF54416B7E18FE7F.taxon	discussion	Remarks. With more than 105 species described, Astropecten is one of the most diverse sea star genera (Zulliger & Lessios 2010). Of these species, 25 occur in the Atlantic Ocean and eight occur in Brazil: Astropecten acutiradiatus, A. alligator Perrier, 1881, A. antillensis, A. articulatus (Say, 1825), A. brasiliensis brasiliensis, A. cingulatus, A. duplicatus Gray, 1840 and A. marginatus. In the molecular phylogeny of the genus Astropecten proposed by Zulliger & Lessios (2010), the West Atlantic species form a clade with the East Pacific species, most likely separated by the Isthmus of Panama as suggested by Tortonese (1956). Sister to this clade is a clade composed of East Atlantic and Mediterranean species. Diet of this genus is generally composed of bivalves, gastropods and small crustaceans (Christensen 1970; Ribi et al. 1977; Ventura 1991). Species of the genus Astropecten are used for medicinal purposes in the northeastern Brazil, where the tea of the whole specimen is drunk to treat asthma and cough, to prevent abortion and to reduce menstrual bleeding (Alves & Rosa 2006).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFD3FF5446CF78FEFB40.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Curaçao, Venezuela (Clark & Downey 1992). BRAZIL: Bahia, Rio de Janeiro (Tortonese 1956; Brito 1968; Tommasi 1970; Clark & Downey 1992; Ventura et al. 2007). Depth. 35 – 66 (475?) m (Clark & Downey 1992; Ventura et al. 2007). Biological notes. Specimens of A. acutiradiatus live on sandy bottoms and feed mainly on crustaceans and gastropods (Ventura et al. 2007).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFD3FF5446CF78FEFB40.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Genova, C. E. 36017 (Clark & Downey 1992). Type locality. Baía de Guanabara, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Brito 1968).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFD3FF5446CF78FEFB40.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Despite four years of collection in Baía de Guanabara, Brito and his team never found additional specimens of A. acutiradiatus (Brito 1968). Ventura et al. (2007) recorded the species for Bahia, but unfortunately, we did not have access to this material to make any further observations. Astropecten acutiradiatus is poorly known and ontogenetic variation has not been documented. The arms of the holotype are long and narrow, unlike any other Brazilian Astropecten. Clark & Downey (1992) suggested that this species should be considered a subspecies of Astropecten articulatus. Although Tortonese (1956) mentioned the similarity between A. acutiradiatus and A. articulatus, he did not mention characters used to separate these species. A revision with the examination of more specimens is necessary to elucidate this question.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFDEFF54421379E8FF23.taxon	description	Figures 2 – 3 Astropecten antillensis Lu ̈ tken, 1860: 47.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFDEFF54421379E8FF23.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (3 specs, 20 – 43 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia (12 ° 52 ’ – 12 ° 56 ’ S; 38 ° 12 ’ – 38 ° 30 ’ W) — Busca Vida beach, Guarajuba, 45 m, ii. 2008, 1 spec, R 20 mm (UFBA 949). Salvador: Plataforma beach, 16 m, 27. ix. 2010, 1 spec, R 21 mm (UFBA 1183); Porto beach, 13 m, vi. 2012, 1 spec, R 43 mm (UFBA 1620). Comparative material. VIRGIN ISLAND. St. Thomas, 4 specs, R 10 – 56 mm (NHMD 76172, syntypes).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFDEFF54421379E8FF23.taxon	description	Description (R 43 mm). Disc half size of arms; R / r 2.5; 22 SM plates; R / SM # 1.95. Arms long and narrow (Fig. 2 A – C). Abactinal region covered by paxillae with 1 – 5 central and 10 – 12 peripheral spinelets (Fig. 2 D). Number of paxillae spinelets increases toward center of disc. Madreporite small, partially hidden among paxillae (Fig. 2 D). Superomarginal and inferomarginal plates organized in one row each; inferomarginal plates not projected beyond superomarginal plates. Superomarginal plates covered by spines, fine granules and spinelets. First superomarginal plate with one spine, others with two spines (Fig. 2 E). Spine on first plate twice as large as spines from other plates. In plates with two spines, inner spine smaller than outer spine. Inferomarginal plates separated by a gap. Fringe with two layers of flattened and pointed spines, oblique, top layer with two large spines of equal size and another thinner and smaller spine (Fig. 2 F), bottom layer with three small spines. Actinal surface of inferomarginal plates lacks squamules (short, flat, scalelike spines; from Cobb et al. 2019); central region naked, sometimes with long spines similar to lateral fringe spines (Fig. 2 H). Three equal-sized adambulacral spines forming a single row. Subambulacral row with three spines, central spine larger than adjacent ones (Fig. 2 I); sometimes a second row with 1 – 3 spines present. Oral spines with broad, blunt tip (Fig. 2 G). Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 20 – 21 mm). Average R / r 4.1; 19 SM plates (R 20 mm); R / SM # 1.0. Paxillae with 1 – 3 central and 5 – 9 peripheral spines (Fig. 3 D). Inferomarginal plates project beyond superomarginal plates (Fig. 3 E). Superomarginal plates with only one spine; spine on first superomarginal plate relatively larger than that of larger specimen (Fig. 3 A, F). Actinal region of inferomarginal plates with fewer squamules than those of larger specimens. Coloration. Yellowish body with white inferomarginal fringe; Caribbean specimens are yellowish, reddish and orange in situ (Clark & Downey 1992; Benavides-Serrato et al. 2005); white or pale brown in ethanol.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFDEFF54421379E8FF23.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, Antilles, Puerto Rico, Colombia (Sladen 1889; Bayer et al. 1970; Clark & Downey 1992; Abreu-Pérez et al. 2005; Williams et al. 2013; Nisperuza et al. 2016; Soaréz 2016; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019). BRAZIL: Bahia and possibly Trindade Island (John 1948; Cunha et al. 2020). Depth. 3 – 278 m (Clark & Downey 1992). Biological notes. In Bahia, Astropecten antillensis lives in nutrient-poor regions with sandy and muddy bottoms. This species can also be found in rubble bottoms (Zoppi de Roa 1967; Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013). Syntype. NHMD 76172 [previously as ZMUC AST 4], 76371 (Tom Schiøtte, per. comm).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFDEFF54421379E8FF23.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFAAFFDEFF54421379E8FF23.taxon	discussion	Remarks. John (1948) noticed that some of the specimens identified as A. brasiliensis by Sladen (1889) were actually A. antillensis; John’s publication was the first record of this species in Brazil. H. L. Clark (1901) most likely misidentified the Astropecten specimens collected in Puerto Rico because in his identification key, he reported that specimens of A. antillensis do not have spines on marginal plates (given that Clark mentioned in the description following the key that the specimens had inferomarginal spines, “ marginal ” probably referred to the superomarginal plates).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA7FFD9FF5446337E3AF9A4.taxon	description	Figures 4 – 5	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA7FFD9FF5446337E3AF9A4.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (69 specs, 3 – 103 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia (12 ° 45 ’ – 13 ° 56 ’ S; 38 ° 06 ’ – 39 ° 06 ’ W) — Busca Vida beach, 25 m, vii. 2003, 1 spec, R 10 mm (UFBA 1048); 45 m, iii. 2005, 3 specs, R 4 – 13 mm (UFBA 1049); 22 – 45 m, 1. vii – viii. 2007, 12 specs, R 4 – 18 mm (UFBA 515 – 520); 25 – 45 m, vii. 2008, 9 specs, R 3 – 19 mm (UFBA 948, 1046); 25 – 45 m, vi. 2009, 3 specs, R 9 – 15 mm (UFBA 1047, 1073); 25 – 45 m, i. 2010, 3 specs, R 6 – 18 mm (UFBA 1074 – 1075, 1081); 25 – 45 m, viii. 2010, 3 specs, R 9 – 21 mm (UFBA 1162); 45 m, ii. 2011, 2 specs, R 12 – 13 mm (UFBA 1303); 25 – 45 m, vii. 2012, 3 specs R 8 mm (UFBA 1621, 1625, 1721). Salvador: off Artista beach, 28 – 47 m, i. 2005, 2 specs, R 3 – 7 mm (UFBA 922, 1095); 47 – 50 m, 15. viii. 2005, 7 specs, R 10 – 18 mm (UFBA 597, 599); off Jardim de Alá beach, 45 – 47 m, i. 2005, 2 specs, R 6 mm (UFBA 921; 1044); 47 m, 15. viii. 2005, 6 specs, R 4 – 18 mm (UFBA 598); off Rio Vermelho beach, 25 m, 15. ii. 2008, 1 spec, R 3 mm (UFBA 642). Vera Cruz: Barra Grande beach, intertidal, 1. xi. 1992, 10 specs, R 21 – 29 mm (UFBA 40, 193). Boipeba Island: Moreré beach, 30 m, i. 2004, 2 specs, R 10 – 16 mm (UFBA 940, 1045). Salvador: Ribeira beach, intertidal, 1. iii. 2006, 1 spec, R 103 mm (UFBA 132). Comparative material. BRAZIL. São Paulo: São Sebastião Island. xii. 1915, 4 specs, R 65 – 125 mm (NMNH E 529, neotype; MZUSP 2096).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA7FFD9FF5446337E3AF9A4.taxon	description	Description (R 103 mm). Arms long and narrow (Fig. 4 A – B, D – E); R / r 4.7; 41 SM plates; R / SM # 2.5. Abactinal region covered by paxillae with 6 – 8 central and 12 – 15 peripheral spinelets. Number of paxillae spinelets increases toward center of disc. Paxillae (Fig. 4 G) irregularly arranged, being more separated in median region of arms than near or in disc, and more separated in marginal region of arms than in median region of arms. Density of paxilla spinelets decreases from disc to arm tip. Madreporite large (5 cm), not hidden by paxillae (Fig. 4 C, G). Superomarginal and inferomarginal plates organized in one row each; inferomarginal plates not projected beyond superomarginal plates. Superomarginal plates covered by spines, granules and spinelets. First and second superomarginal plates with one spine (Fig. 4 H), others with two spines. Spine decreases in size from first to third plate and then remains the same. In plates with two spines, inner spine larger than outer spine (Fig. 4 I). Inferomarginal plates separated by a gap. Fringe oblique, with two layers of flattened and pointed spines, top layer with two large spines of equal size (Fig. 4 J), bottom layer with two smaller spines. Actinal region of inferomarginal plates with squamules, and medium and long-sized spines (Fig. 4 K). Three equal-sized adambulacral spines forming a single row. Subambulacral spines (Fig. 4 L) in two rows: first row with two unequal spines (distal 2 x as large as proximal); second row with 3 – 5 spines, sometimes grouped. Oral spines with broad, blunt tips. Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 3 – 50 mm). Average R / r 3.8; 19 SM plates (R 21 mm); R / SM # 1.1. Paxillae with 1 – 2 central and about 7 – 8 peripheral spinelets, more spaced than in larger specimens. Superomarginal plates without spines or with only one spine (Fig. 5 C). Some inferomarginal plates with three spines, one 2 x smaller than others and located at proximal end of plate (Fig. 5 G). Adambulacral spines of unequal size; central spine larger than adjacent spines (Fig. 5 E). Second row of subambulacral spines starts forming in specimens with 25 mm R. Coloration. Specimen in vivo has lilac abactinal region, pinkish orange actinal region and light pink marginal plates. Specimens in ethanol are pale brown.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA7FFD9FF5446337E3AF9A4.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Caribbean Sea, Venezuela, Uruguay, Falkland Islands, Tierra del Fuego (Mah 2020 a). BRAZIL: Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Fernando de Noronha Island, Alagoas, Bahia, Trindade Island, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul (Rathbun 1879; Sladen 1889; Verrill 1915; Tommasi 1958, 1970; Brito 1962; Lima-Verde 1969; Walenkamp 1976; Carrera-Rodriguez & Tommasi 1977; Walenkamp 1979; Tommasi & Aron 1988; Fernandes et al. 2002; Netto et al. 2006; Ventura et al. 2007; Miranda et al. 2012; Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013; Gondim et al. 2014; Alitto et al. 2016; Bueno et al. 2018; Torres & Torres 2019; Cunha et al. 2020). Depth. Intertidal to 66 m (Alvarado & Solis-Marin 2013; present paper). Biological notes. The specimens from Bahia were found in sandy, muddy and calcareous bottoms (Tommasi & Aron 1988; herein). Astropecten brasiliensis brasiliensis from Porto Belo-SC feed mostly on three mollusk species: the bivalves Corbula caribaea d’Orbigny, 1853 and Transenella stimpsoni Dall, 1902, and the gastropod Natica pusilla Gould, 1841. Patrizzi & Dobrovolski (2018) predicted that the habitable range of the Brazilian populations of A. brasiliensis may have a 7 – 16 - fold expansion under higher atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. The effect of this expansion on the local communities is unknown, but it is likely to cause negative trophic impact (Kordas et al. 2011). Astropecten brasiliensis is classified as “ Vulnerable ” (baseline data indicate a reduction in population by at least 30 % over the next 100 years) by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018). According to Gurjão & Lotufo (2018), its harvesting in Brazil is currently prohibited. Neotype. NMNH E 529.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA7FFD9FF5446337E3AF9A4.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. São Sebastião Island, SP, Brazil.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA7FFD9FF5446337E3AF9A4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Although Clark & Downey (1992) mentioned that the neotype of A. brasiliensis has a vertical fringe of inferomarginal spines, we noticed that the neotype and the specimens from this study have an oblique fringe instead. Because of its high phenotypic variability, five subspecies of A. brasiliensis were described, three of these not currently valid and synonymized with A. brasiliensis brasiliensis: Astropecten brasiliensis armatus (Gray, 1840), Astropecten brasiliensis erinaceus (Gray, 1840) and Astropecten brasiliensis riensis Döderlein, 1917. The other valid subspecies, Astropecten peruvianus Verrill, 1867, was designated as a subspecies of A. brasiliensis by Döderlein (1917) without any explanation. We suspect that this change was made because H. L. Clark (1910) mentioned that A. peruvianus is very similar to Astropecten (brasiliensis) erinaceus. With regards to A. armatus, Clark & Downey (1992) noted that A. brasiliensis and A. armatus are different species although there was much confusion in the past because of their morphological similarity. From the examination of the neotype of A. brasiliensis and of the figures of A. armatus presented by Fisher (1911, pl. 5, figs 1 – 2; pl. 51, fig. 3), we agree with Clark & Downey (1992) that these species are distinct based on the shape of the subambulacral spine. Both species have two spines in the first subambulacral row, with the distal spine being much larger than the proximal spine. In A. armatus, the distal spine is flattened, truncated and almost 3 x larger than the proximal spine, while in A. brasiliensis the distal spine is blunt, cylindrical and 2 x greater than the proximal spine; this pattern was also observed in the specimen from Bahia. Tortonese (1956) mentioned that A. brasiliensis has prominent flat spines in the proximal and distal regions of the inferomarginal plates (actinal view), while A. armatus only has prominent flat spines in the distal region of the inferomarginal plates. However, we noticed that the neotype of A. brasiliensis (R 87 mm) has flat spines as in A. armatus and the large specimen (R 103 mm) described from Bahia follows the pattern described by Tortonese (1956).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA0FFDAFF5441B67D44FBC3.taxon	distribution	Distribution. U. S. A. (NC, SC, FL), The The Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Guyana, French Guyana, Uruguay, Argentina (Bernasconi 1941; Downey 1973; Walenkamp 1979; Clark & Downey 1992; Benavidez-Serrato et al. 2011; Sandino et al. 2017; Lawrence et al. 2018 a; Mah 2020 a). BRAZIL: Pernambuco, Bahia, Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain, Martin Vaz Archipelago, Trindade Island, Rio de Janeiro, Vitória Island-SP, São Paulo, Santa Catarina (Brito 1962, 1968; Tommasi 1970, 1985; Carrera-Rodríguez & Tommasi 1977; Tommasi & Aron 1987; Manso, 1989; Clark & Downey 1992; De Léo & Pires-Vanin 2006; Ventura et al. 2007; Alvarado et al. 2008; Xavier 2010; Cunha et al. 2020). Depth. 11 to 1350 m (Lawrence et al. 2018 a). Biological notes. Lives on soft substrates, feeding on gastropods, bivalves, crustaceans and cirripeds (Ventura et al. 2007), and exhibits an annual reproductive cycle (Ventura et al. 1998). This species is classified as “ Least Concern ” by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA0FFDAFF5441B67D44FBC3.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. NHM-UK 1890.5. 7.304 (Lawrence et al. 2018 a). Type locality. Pernambuco, Brazil.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA0FFDAFF5441B67D44FBC3.taxon	discussion	Remarks. To our knowledge, only the EQMN has specimens from Bahia and we were unable to obtain specimens for examination. Records from this region are scarce and often dubious. For example, the specimen of A. cingulatus depicted by Queiroz (2006, fig. 3) is most likely an A. marginatus, and the specimens depicted by Pelaes (2008, fig. 3 b) is possibly a smaller specimen of A. brasiliensis brasiliensis because of the presence of superomarginal spines (but note that the quality of the image is poor). The specimen of A. cingulatus depicted by Gondim et al. (2014, fig. 5 e – h) also have spines on the superomarginal plates (some of these have fallen but spine scar is visible) and represents another species. Lawrence et al. (2018 a) found some specimens of A. cingulatus with small spinelets on the proximal superomarginal plates, but these were never prominent. Ontogenetic variation in A. cingulatus have not been fully studied. Lawrence et al. (2018 b) noted that specimens with R <30 mm have two inferomarginal spines, while larger specimens have three inferomarginal spines; and that the number of rows of ambulacral spines increases from 3 – 4 in specimens between R 28 – 42 mm, the specimen with R 48 mm from Brazil having four. The illustration of the holotype (R 28 mm) by Sladen (1889) shows one row of adambulacral spines, and two rows of subambulacral spines. We did not find additional differences between the description of the holotype (Sladen 1883; R 28 mm) and of a specimen R 84 mm (Clark & Downey 1992). For a thorough description of intraspecific variation within A. cingulatus, see Lawrence & Cobb (2017) and Lawrence et al. (2018 a; b).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA3FFC5FF5443937EC4FD38.taxon	description	Figures 6 – 7	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA3FFC5FF5443937EC4FD38.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (21 specs, 10 – 50 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia, Santa Cruz de Cabrália (16 ° 14 ’ – 16 ° 15 ’ S; 38 ° 00 ’ – 38 ° 58 ’ W) — 7 m, 16. xi. 2010, 5 specs, R 11 – 25 mm (MZUSP 2100); 6 m, 16. xi. 2010, 6 specs, R 10 – 28 mm (MZUSP 2101); 7 m, 16. xi. 2010, 5 specs, R 30 – 50 mm (MZUSP 2100); 6 m, 16. xi. 2010, 5 specs, R 30 – 40 mm (MZUSP 2101).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA3FFC5FF5443937EC4FD38.taxon	description	Description (R 30 – 50 mm). Disc broad and flattened, arms short and flattened (Fig. 6 A – C); R / r 3.3; 39 SM plates (R 50 mm); R / SM # 1.3. Abactinal region covered by paxillae as follows: proximal region of arms and disc with 10 – 12 central and 15 peripheral spinelets (Fig. 6 D), midline region of arms with 5 – 8 central and nine peripheral spinelets, and distal region of arms with 1 – 3 central and seven peripheral spinelets. Madreporite large, not hidden by paxillae (Fig. 6 E). Marginal plates horizontal and elongated. Superomarginal plates without spines and covered by granules: central granules robust, peripheral granules elongated, hyaline and thin. Inferomarginal plates projected beyond superomarginal plates. Fringe with two layers of spines, parallel, top layer with two spines of equal size, and a third proximal 3 x smaller and thinner (Fig. 6 G); bottom layer with 4 – 5 small spines, proximal spine smaller and thinner (Fig. 6 I). Actinal region of inferomarginal plates lacking squamules; central region naked, sometimes with long spines similar to lateral fringe spines (Fig. 6 J). Three adambulacral spines forming single line, central spine longer than adjacent ones (Fig. 6 K). One large subambulacral spine in center of plate, largest spine in adambulacral plate, surrounded by acicular spinelets; spinelets between large spine and furrow spines. Oral spines flattened with blunt tip (Fig. 6 F). Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 10 – 28 mm). Average R / r 3.0; 22 SM plates (R 20 mm); R / SM # 1.1. Proximal paxillae with 3 – 5 central and 8 – 10 peripheral spinelets (Fig. 7 C), distal paxillae with 0 – 1 central and 4 – 5 peripheral spinelets. Inferomarginal fringe with two layers as in larger specimen, but proximal spine in top layer 5 x smaller than adjacent spines, and bottom layer with 3 – 4 small spines, proximal spine smallest (Fig. 7 F). Three adambulacral spines forming single line, central spine largest in adambulacral plate (Fig. 7 E). Second subambulacral row as in larger specimen, with central spine largest than adjacent spines, but not largest in adambulacral plate; third row with 2 – 4 sub-equal spines. Coloration. Abactinal surface greyish in center of disc and arms, margins orangish to creamy; inferomarginal spines fade from a bluish-grey base to creamy tips. Specimens in ethanol are pale brown.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA3FFC5FF5443937EC4FD38.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana (Walenkamp 1976; Clark & Downey 1992; Alvarado et al. 2008; Benavides- Serrato et al. 2005, 2011; Pawson et al. 2009, Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013). BRAZIL: Amapá, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul (Bernasconi 1955; Tommasi 1958; Brito 1962; Lima-Verde 1969; Netto 2006; Gondim et al. 2008; Pelaes 2008; Lima & Fernandes 2009; Xavier 2010; Gondim et al. 2014; Bueno et al. 2018; Miranda 2018; Torres & Torres 2019; Turra et al. 2019). Depth. 1 – 130 m (Clark & Downey 1992).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA3FFC5FF5443937EC4FD38.taxon	discussion	Biological notes. This species lives in muddy, sandy and rubble bottoms (Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013) and most likely feeds during the day, preferably on gastropods, bivalves and crustaceans (Bitter 1984; Zoldan 2005; Guilherme & Rosa 2014; Fernandez et al. 2017). In Caraguatatuba Bay, São Paulo, A. marginatus lives in sympatry with L. senegalensis, where they partition food resources (Fernandez et al. 2017). The reproductive cycle of A. marginatus in this region is annual and spawning happens mainly during the rainy season (Turra et al. 2019). Netto (2006) found many specimens gathered in shallow pools at night with 2 – 5 arms facing upwards, possibly engaged in gas exchange as the exposure of the tube feet into the water column should increase its breathing surface (Farmanfarmaian 1966). Astropecten marginatus is classified as “ Vulnerable ” (baseline data indicate a reduction in population by at least 30 % over the next 100 years) by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018). According to Gurjão & Lotufo (2018), its harvesting in Brazil is currently prohibited.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA3FFC5FF5443937EC4FD38.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. Gray (1840, p. 178) mentioned that the specimens he described were deposited in the collections of the Zoological Society of London (especially South American specimens collected by Mr. Hugh Cuming) and of the British Museum, where he worked. However, Andrew Cabrinovic told us that the type has not been found at the NHM-UK (pers. comm. on 20 Feb 20). Type locality. Not reported by Gray (1840).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA3FFC5FF5443937EC4FD38.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. Gray (1840, p. 178) mentioned that the specimens he described were deposited in the collections of the Zoological Society of London (especially South American specimens collected by Mr. Hugh Cuming) and of the British Museum, where he worked. However, Andrew Cabrinovic told us that the type has not been found at the NHM-UK (pers. comm. on 20 Feb 20).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFA3FFC5FF5443937EC4FD38.taxon	description	Type locality. Not reported by Gray (1840).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBCFFC5FF54440A7C8BF8B8.taxon	materials_examined	Taxonomic remarks of the genus Astropecten As noted by Cobb et al. (2019), telling some of the Astropecten species apart is not trivial. We found several instances of misidentification in prior work from Northeastern Brazil and we hope that the present work will reduce errors in future studies. Phylogenetic relationships between some species of Brazilian Astropecten were addressed by Zulliger & Lessios (2010) and Cobb et al. (2019). Their molecular cladograms indicate that A. antillensis is more closely related to A. articulatus than to A. cingulatus. The relationship between these species and A. marginatus is uncertain as this species could be equally related to A. antillensis, A. articulatus and A. cingulatus or most closely related to A. cingulatus (Zulliger & Lessios, 2010). Astropencten brasiliensis was not included in these studies. Astropecten acutiradiatus differs from A. alligator by having an enlarged spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. three (sub) equal spines); from A. antillensis by having an enlarged distal spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. enlarged central spine); from A. articulatus by having clavate paxillar spinelets (vs. paxillar spinelets granulose); from A. brasiliensis brasiliensis and A. duplicatus by the absence of enlarged spines on the distal superomarginal plates (vs. presence of enlarged spines on the distal superomarginal plates); from A. cingulatus and A. marginatus by having spines on the proximal superomarginal plates (vs. superomarginal spines absent). Astropecten antillensis differs from A. acutiradiatus, A. articulatus, A. brasiliensis brasiliensis and A. duplicatus by having an enlarged central spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. enlarged distal spine); from A. alligator by having an enlarged spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. three (sub) equal spines); from A. cingulatus and A. marginatus by having spines on the superomarginal plates (vs. superomarginal spines absent). Astropecten antillensis also differs from A. brasiliensis brasiliensis because its inner superomarginal (not the first pair) spine is smaller than the outer spine (vs. inner spine larger than outer spine). Astropecten brasiliensis brasiliensis differs from A. marginatus and A. cingulatus by having superomarginal spines (vs. superomarginal spines absent); from A. articulatus and A. duplicatus by having subambulacral spines with blunt tips (vs. spines truncated in two), and inferomarginal fringe spines oblique (vs. inferomarginal fringe spines horizontal); and from A. alligator by having an enlarged distal spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. (sub) equal spines). Astropecten cingulatus differs from A. marginatus by having inferomarginal plates densely covered with overlapping squamules and spines (vs. inferomarginal plates bare or with sparse, widely spaced squamules), and these two species differ from the other Brazilian Astropecten by having no spines on the superomarginal plates (vs. spines present).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBCFFC5FF54440A7C8BF8B8.taxon	discussion	As noted by Cobb et al. (2019), telling some of the Astropecten species apart is not trivial. We found several instances of misidentification in prior work from Northeastern Brazil and we hope that the present work will reduce errors in future studies. Phylogenetic relationships between some species of Brazilian Astropecten were addressed by Zulliger & Lessios (2010) and Cobb et al. (2019). Their molecular cladograms indicate that A. antillensis is more closely related to A. articulatus than to A. cingulatus. The relationship between these species and A. marginatus is uncertain as this species could be equally related to A. antillensis, A. articulatus and A. cingulatus or most closely related to A. cingulatus (Zulliger & Lessios, 2010). Astropencten brasiliensis was not included in these studies. Astropecten acutiradiatus differs from A. alligator by having an enlarged spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. three (sub) equal spines); from A. antillensis by having an enlarged distal spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. enlarged central spine); from A. articulatus by having clavate paxillar spinelets (vs. paxillar spinelets granulose); from A. brasiliensis brasiliensis and A. duplicatus by the absence of enlarged spines on the distal superomarginal plates (vs. presence of enlarged spines on the distal superomarginal plates); from A. cingulatus and A. marginatus by having spines on the proximal superomarginal plates (vs. superomarginal spines absent). Astropecten antillensis differs from A. acutiradiatus, A. articulatus, A. brasiliensis brasiliensis and A. duplicatus by having an enlarged central spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. enlarged distal spine); from A. alligator by having an enlarged spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. three (sub) equal spines); from A. cingulatus and A. marginatus by having spines on the superomarginal plates (vs. superomarginal spines absent). Astropecten antillensis also differs from A. brasiliensis brasiliensis because its inner superomarginal (not the first pair) spine is smaller than the outer spine (vs. inner spine larger than outer spine). Astropecten brasiliensis brasiliensis differs from A. marginatus and A. cingulatus by having superomarginal spines (vs. superomarginal spines absent); from A. articulatus and A. duplicatus by having subambulacral spines with blunt tips (vs. spines truncated in two), and inferomarginal fringe spines oblique (vs. inferomarginal fringe spines horizontal); and from A. alligator by having an enlarged distal spine in the first subambulacral row (vs. (sub) equal spines). Astropecten cingulatus differs from A. marginatus by having inferomarginal plates densely covered with overlapping squamules and spines (vs. inferomarginal plates bare or with sparse, widely spaced squamules), and these two species differ from the other Brazilian Astropecten by having no spines on the superomarginal plates (vs. spines present).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBFFFC6FF5447CB7934FDE1.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Luidia ciliaris (Philippi, 1837) (type by monotypy).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBFFFC6FF5447CB7934FDE1.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus Luidia contains 49 species. Of the 12 Atlantic species, six occur in Brazil — L. alternata (Say, 1825), L. barbadensis Perrier, 1881, L. clathrata (Say, 1825), L. ludwigi Bell, 1917, L. sarsi Düben & Koren, 1845 and L. senegalensis (Lamarck, 1816) — L. patriae Bernasconi, 1941 occurs in Argentina and Uruguay, and five other species are restricted to the North Atlantic and Southeast Atlantic — L. atlantidea Madsen, 1950, L. ciliaris (Philippi, 1837), L. heterozona Fisher, 1940, L. lawrencei Hopkins & Knott, 2010, and L. sagamina Döderlein, 1920.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBFFFC0FF544571790CFD3B.taxon	description	Figure 8	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBFFFC0FF544571790CFD3B.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (1 spec, 45 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia, Porto Seguro (16 ° 20 ’ S; 38 ° 14 ’ W) — 40 m, 30. vi. 2001, 1 spec (EQMN 2007). Comparative material. U. S. A. Florida, Dry Tortugas, 1 spec, R 170 mm (NHM-UK 1937.5. 9.6, neotype).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBFFFC0FF544571790CFD3B.taxon	description	Description (R 45 mm). Flat disc (Fig. 8 A). Five robust arms. Abactinal plates covered by paxillae of varied sizes (Fig. 8 C). Larger paxillae with a prominent central spine (~ 1.5 mm) and two rows of peripheral spinelets with denticulate tips: first row with few short spinelets; second row with many long, denticulate spinelets. Smaller paxillae with small and robust central spinelets, and one row of long and denticulate peripheral spinelets. Madreporite inconspicuous, hidden by paxillae. Superomarginal plates paxilliform, inconspicuous. Inferomarginal plates elongated and separated by a gap. Marginal region of plates with two long spines arranged horizontally; actinal surface of inferomarginal plates densely covered by flat spines of varying shapes and sizes and three long located centrally. Three large, curved adambulacral spines arranged in a row along center of plate, perpendicular to furrow. One curved, marginal subambulacral spine larger than surrounding spines, but smaller than spines on center of plate (Fig. 8 F). Oral plate prominent, with slender and unequal spines (Fig. 8 D). Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc lacking (Fig. 8 B). Pedicellariae short, with four hyaline valves, inconspicuous and placed adjacent to ambulacral furrow (likely in development). Coloration. No record of coloration of in vivo specimens from this region but live specimens from Trindade Island (Cunha et al. 2020) display the same coloration pattern as the fixed specimen described here: abactinal region with dark scarlet red to brown transverse bands, actinal region yellow beige, spines white. H. L. Clark (1933) noticed that the coloration of this species is not affected by alcohol or other preservation fluids.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBFFFC0FF544571790CFD3B.taxon	distribution	Distribution. U. S. A. (NC, FL), Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, The The Bahamas, Caribbean Sea, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Uruguay, Argentina, Cape Verde (Clark & Downey 1992; Pérez-Ruzafa et al. 1999; Entrambasaguas 2003, 2008; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019; Mah 2020 a). BRAZIL: Amapá, Pará, Paraíba, Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Trindade Island, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul (Verrill 1915; Brito 1962, 1968; Tommasi 1970; Carrera-Rodríguez & Tommasi 1977; Walenkamp 1979; Tommasi & Aron 1987; Magalhães et al. 2005; Ventura et al. 2007; Miranda et al. 2012; Gondim et al. 2014; Alitto et al. 2016; Miranda 2018; Torres & Torres 2019; Cunha et al. 2020). Depth. 1 – 200 m (Clark & Downey 1992). Biological notes. Luidia alternata alternata inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms, and it is also found in coral reefs and mangroves, often associated with shells and calcareous algae (Clark & Downey 1992; Hendler et al. 1995; Cunha et al. 2020; present paper). Although this subspecies occurs in shallow water, it is rarely encountered in shallow habitats from Bahia when compared to L. clathrata and L. senegalensis. Its diet is carnivorous, mostly limited to epifaunal organisms including other sea stars such as A. articulatus and L. clathrata (Schwartz & Porter 1977; Ventura et al. 2007). Luidia alternata alternata is classified as “ Least Concern ” by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018). According to Gurjão & Lotufo (2018), its harvesting in Brazil is currently prohibited. Neotype. NHM-UK 1937.5. 9.6.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBFFFC0FF544571790CFD3B.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Dry Tortugas, FL, U. S. A.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBFFFC0FF544571790CFD3B.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The only specimen examined has a total length of 60 mm, with an r of 7 mm. Because all arms are regenerating or damaged, we did not include the R / r ratio. Gondim et al. (2014) found pedicellariae with 2 – 4 valves in the specimens from Paraíba (north of Bahia). The pedicellariae from the specimen described here are short and seem to be in a formation state, but they all have four valves; and the pedicellariae from the neotype are long, formed by 3 – 4 valves and placed around the mouth and adjacent to the ambulacral furrow. With regards to the number of inferomarginal spines, the neotype (R 170 mm) has 2 – 3 spines, the specimen described here has two spines, and Gondim et al. ’ s (2014) specimens (R 3 – 20 mm) have 1 – 2 spines. This variation is most likely ontogenetic, with the number of inferomarginal spines increasing over time up to three. According to H. L. Clark (1933), adult specimens of L. alternata alternata have R 120 – 130 mm, and the largest specimen known until that date had R 175 mm. Luidia alternata alternata differs from Luidia alternata numidica Koehler, 1911 by having only single central spinelets on many of the smaller paxillae (vs. more numerous central spinelets on many of the smaller paxillae).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB9FFC2FF54440A7E18FF44.taxon	description	Figures 9 – 10	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB9FFC2FF54440A7E18FF44.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (1 spec, 57 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia, Todos os Santos Bay (13 ° 10 ’ S; 38 ° 45 ’ W) — 15 m, 15. iii. 1997, 1 spec, R 57 mm (UFBA 330). Comparative material. U. S. A., North Carolina, Cape Hatteras, 26 m, 19. x. 1884, 1 spec, R 70 mm (NMNH 8507, neotype).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB9FFC2FF54440A7E18FF44.taxon	description	Description (R 57 mm). Flat disc (Fig. 9 A); R / r 5.2. Five tapering arms. Abactinal plates covered by paxillae (Fig. 10 A) with robust granules (3 – 7) in center and a fringe of small peripheral spinelets. Paxillae of disc and arms smaller, irregularly arranged (Fig. 10 F). Paxillae from periphery of arms in five regular rows, square to rectangular in abactinal view (Fig. 10 D); paxillae from three outer rows equal to or larger than those from inner rows. Madreporite often with irregular outline and hidden by paxillae (Fig. 10 H). Superomarginal plates paxilliform. Inferomarginal plates elongated and separated by a gap. Marginal region of plates with two unequal, denticulate spines (Fig. 10 B); around these, several small spines. Actinal surface of plate densely covered by flat spines, large in central region and minute in marginal region (Fig. 10 G). Four adambulacral spines. Two curved spines, innermost spine smallest; two flattened, truncated spines of same size, side by side above (Fig. 10 C, E). Oral plate with long spines, apical ones larger (Fig. 10 I). Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc lacking. Pedicellariae absent. Coloration. No record of coloration of in vivo specimens from this region. In ethanol, specimens are pale beige to white. Specimens from the Gulf of Mexico have a noticeable grey band on the dorsal surface of the inferomarginal plates, above the fringe spines that is retained for years even in alcohol (Janessa Fletcher, pers. comm. on 4 Dec 20, “ Picture Guide to the SEAMAP specimens of the Eastern Gulf of Mexico ”, unpublished). The dry specimen in Hopkins & Knott (2010) has greyish upper arm surface, white ocular tips, white inferomarginal spines and off-white actinal surface. Frequently shows darker grey dorsal central arm stripe, but it is not encountered in the neotype.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB9FFC2FF54440A7E18FF44.taxon	distribution	Distribution. U. S. A. (NC, FL), Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, The The Bahamas, Caribbean Sea, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana (Sandino et al. 2017; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019; Mah 2020 a). BRAZIL: Amapá, Pará, Paraíba, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina (Rathbun 1879; Bernasconi 1943; Tommasi 1958, 1970; Brito 1960, 1968; Downey 1973; Walenkamp 1976; 1979; Clark & Downey 1992; Hendler et al. 1995; Benavides-Serrato et al. 2005; Mag- alhães et al. 2005; Alvarado et al. 2008; Manso et al. 2008; Lima & Fernandes 2009; Xavier 2010; Gondim et al. 2014; Bueno et al. 2018; Miranda 2018; Torres & Torres 2019). Depth. 0 – 175 m (Clark & Downey 1992). Biological notes. The specimen described here was found on a silty soft bottom environment, just outside Todos os Santos Bay; additional specimens have been found in sandy and muddy sediments inside of the Bay. Hendler et al. (1995) also reported L. clathrata ’ s preference for protected environments with fine sediments, sometimes in estuarine conditions. This species has a generalized diet, feeding on foraminifera and small to medium-sized invertebrates, including polychaetes, crustaceans and ophiuroids (Lawrence et al. 1974; Pechaszadeh & Lera 1983; Tararam et al. 1993), but Schwartz & Porter (1977) reported a strong preference for scallops in North Carolina. Caribbean populations of L. clathrata have seasonal reproduction (Lawrence 1973; Dehn 1980 a, b; Watt & Lawrence 1990; Pomory & Lares 2000). Luidia clathrata is classified as “ Least Concern ” by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018). According to Gurjão & Lotufo (2018), its harvesting in Brazil is currently prohibited. Neotype. NMNH 8507, designated by Hopkins & Knott (2010) because the holotype has never been found.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB9FFC2FF54440A7E18FF44.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Cape Hatteras, NC, U. S. A.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB9FFC2FF54440A7E18FF44.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The specimen described differs from the neotype by having two inferomarginal spines (vs. 3) and 3 – 7 granules in central region of paxillae (vs. 7 – 11). Walenkamp (1976) reported that ontogenetic changes in this species include an increase in the number of large lateral spines (1 – 2 in smaller specimens; 3 in adults), and the drawing of L. clathara ’ s paxilla in Clark & Downey (1992, fig. 6 g) indicates that larger specimens have more than 10 central granules (not quantified, but described as being numerous). Also, the specimens analyzed by Gondim et al. (2014), measuring 26 – 42 mm R (R / r 6.32 – 6.48), have two inferomarginal spines and 1 – 6 granules. Adults of L. clathara may reach 160 mm of R and the average R / r for adults is between 7 – 8. According to H. L. Clark (1933), adult specimens have R 100 mm or more.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBAFFCDFF5447837FBCF8DC.taxon	description	Figures 11 – 12	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBAFFCDFF5447837FBCF8DC.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (2 specs, 19 – 146 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia, Todos os Santos Bay (12 ° 46 ’ – 12 ° 51 ’ S; 38 ° 33 ’ – 38 ° 39 ’ W) — 48 m, 29. iv. 1997, 1 spec, R 19 mm (UFBA 592); 3 m, 22. v. 1997, 1 spec, R 146 mm (UFBA 496).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBAFFCDFF5447837FBCF8DC.taxon	description	Description (R 146 mm). Nine long, flattened and slender arms (Fig. 11 A – C); R / r 6.1. Abactinal surface covered by paxillae. Disc and central region of arm with small paxillae (Fig. 11 D). Paxillae covered by 10 – 15 small, central granules and a fringe of fine peripheral spinelets. Paxillae in disc interradius are larger than others. Arm margins with two rows of rectangular paxillae (Fig. 11 F). Madreporite irregularly shaped, often hidden by paxillae (Fig. 11 E). Superomarginal plates paxilliform. Inferomarginal plates elongated and separated by a gap. Marginal region of plates with 1 – 2 short and pointed spines; below these, a fringe of fine, minute spines. Actinal surface of inferomarginal plates densely covered by flat spines, large in central region and minute in marginal region (Fig. 11 G). Four adambulacral spines. Two curved spines, innermost spine smallest; two flattened spines of same size, side by side (Fig. 11 H). Oral plate narrow, armed with a tuft of strong, long, slender spines (Fig. 11 I). Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc lacking. Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 19 mm). R / r 3.8 (Fig. 12 A – B); 1 – 3 central granules in paxillae (Fig. 12 C). Central paxillae spaced out and not tightly packed as in large specimen (Fig. 12 E). Inferomarginal plate with only one spine (Fig. 12 G). Three adambulacral spines, the innermost curved. Coloration. Specimen in vivo has greyish abactinal region, yellow beige marginal and actinal regions; specimens in ethanol are faded but generally maintain the same pattern.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBAFFCDFF5447837FBCF8DC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. U. S. A. (FL), Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, The The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana (Nisperuza et al. 2016; Alvarado et al. 2017; Sandino et al. 2017; Rubio-Polania et al. 2018; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019; Mah 2020 a). BRAZIL: Amapá, Pará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina (Rathbun 1879; Brito 1960, 1968; Walenkamp 1976; 1979; Clark & Downey 1992; Manso et al. 2008; Gondim et al. 2008; 2014; Magris & Deìstro 2010; Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013; Alitto et al. 2016; Bueno et al. 2018; Miranda 2018; Torres & Torres 2019; Turra et al. 2019). Depth. 1 – 64 m (Clark & Downey 1992). Biological notes. Specimens from Bahia live in calm waters, on sandy or muddy bottoms (Manso et al. 2008; present paper), sometimes in regions of low salinity (21 ppt), such as the delta of the Paraguaçu River. Astropecten and Luidia species often live in sympatry, partitioning food resources (Ventura 1991; Queiroz 2006; Fernandez et al. 2017); however, populations from Ilhéus, Bahia, live in allopatry, with L. senegalensis mainly at around 15 m of depth and A. marginatus mainly at around 35 m (Pelaes 2008). None of the specimens of Astropecten and Luidia reported in this paper were collected in the same locality. Separation of resources may also occur within populations of L. senegalensis. Turra et al. (2019) noticed that adult individuals seem to migrate to deeper regions, possibly to use different resources. Interestingly, the specimens reported here have a different pattern, in which the smaller specimen was found in a deeper region than that of the large specimen. Luidia senegalensis is not an abundant species. It has a yearly reproductive cycle in Southeastern Brazil, with spawning happening mainly during the rainy season (Turra et al. 2019). This species predates mainly on bivalves, but also feed on other invertebrates such as polychaetes and crustaceans (Monteiro & Pardo 1994), and it is preyed upon by other species of sea stars and sea shorebirds (Brites et al. 2008). With regards to behavior, Tagliafico et al. (2017) observed specimens from Cubagua Island, Venezuela, moving with only four arms in contact with the substrate, while the other five arms were held upright. Luidia senegalensis is used for medicinal purposes in Brazil to treat asthma, cough and metrorrhagia (Costa-Neto & Marques 2000; Alves & Rosa 2007; Alves & Alves 2011). Tangerina et al. (2018) presented a preliminary description of the chemical composition of specimens from São Paulo, but nothing related to pharmaceutical uses so far. Luidia senegalensis is affected by shrimp fisheries, which collects this species as bycatch (Tangerina et al. 2018). In addition to this threat, Magris & Giarrizzo (2020) estimated that L. senegalensis is one of the most vulnerable species impacted by the oil spill recorded in the Brazilian coast in 2019. This species is classified as “ Vulnerable ” (baseline data indicates that the population size has been reduced by at least 30 %) by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018), and its harvesting in Brazil is currently prohibited (Gurjão & Lotufo 2018). Syntypes. MNHN 2014 - 651, 2014 - 655, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBAFFCDFF5447837FBCF8DC.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Probably West Indies (Clark & Downey 1992).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFBAFFCDFF5447837FBCF8DC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Walenkamp (1979) identified a specimen of L. senegalensis from Guyana with only six arms; Clark & Downey (1992) suggested this specimen could belong to L. barbadensis, but because of the presence of a dark stripe along the central region of the arm (vs. stripes in arms) and the depth that the specimen was collected (32 m vs. above 73 m in L. barbadensis), they confirmed Walenkamp’s identification. This specimen should certainly be re-examined since it is the only record of a L. senegalensis with six arms.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB4FFCEFF544079793DFE58.taxon	discussion	Luidia alternata alternata differs from its Atlantic congeners by having a conspicuous (~ 1.5 mm) spine in the center of most paxillae from the abactinal region (vs. central spine [s] not as conspicuous [<1 mm]). Luidia clathrata differs from L. lawrencei by having two subambulacral spines (vs. three subambulacral spines in large specimens) and paxillae of central disc circular and dense (vs. paxillae of central disc squarish and not dense), from L. patriae by having unequal paxillar spinelets (vs. spinelets of same size), from L. senegalensis by having five arms (vs. nine arms), and from the remaining Atlantic species (i. e. L. alternata, L. barbadensis, L. heterozona, L. ludwigi, L. sagamina, L. ciliaris, L. sarsi, and L. atlantidea) by not having pedicellariae (vs. pedicellariae present). Luidia senegalensis differs from its Atlantic congeners by having nine (rarely 7 – 8) arms and a larger actinal interradial area. Luidia senegalensis also differs from L. ciliaris by having four ambulacral spines (vs. two).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB7FFCEFF54459A7C85FA81.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Othilia echinophora (Lamarck, 1816) (type by subsequent designation by Fisher, 1911).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB7FFCEFF54459A7C85FA81.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Previously demoted as a subgenus of Echinaster by Clark & Tortonese (1986) because of the lack of exclusive morphological characters (see Clark & Downey [1992] for a thorough revision), the re-erection of the genus Othilia is supported by morphological (Fontanella & Hopkins 2003) and molecular evidence (Lopes et al. 2016). These phylogenies have shown that Othilia is a monophyletic group and that the genus Echinaster is more closely related to Henricia than to Othilia. Fontanella & Hopkins (2003) found five synapomorphies supporting the genus Othilia, but unfortunately these were not listed in their paper. A. M. Clark (1987) distinguished Echinaster from Othilia using two diagnostic characters: the arrangement of the dorsolateral plates, which are organized into an irregular reticulum in Echinaster and a regular reticulum in Othilia; and the presence of actinal plates between the inferomarginal and adambulacral plates in Echinaster. However, Lopes et al. (2016) mentioned that, based on the literature, E. callosus Marenzeller, 1895 and E. luzonicus (Gray, 1840) do not have actinal plates. Three species of Othilia have been reported for the Brazilian coast: O. brasiliensis, O. echinophora and O. guyanensis. Species of the genus Othilia are commercially exploited in Rio de Janeiro and Bahia as souvenirs and for the aquarium trade, and they are also used for medicinal (treatment of asthma and alcoholism) and religious purposes (Nobre & Campos-Creasey 2000; Alves et al. 2009; Alves & Dias 2010; Martins et al. 2012 [as Echinaster guyanensis]).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB7FFCFFF5442D17F66F860.taxon	description	Figures 13 – 14	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB7FFCFFF5442D17F66F860.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (56 specs, 17 – 65 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia (12 ° 41 ’ – 13 ° 00 ’ S; 38 ° 29 ’ – 38 ° 53 ’ W) — Salvador: Ribeira beach, intertidal, 1. iii. 2006, 36 specs, R 17 – 29 mm (UFBA 131, 173). Itaparica Island: Medo Island, intertidal, 7. ix. 1991, 1 spec, R 29 – 30 mm (UFBA 31, 37). Cachoeira: Santiago do Iguape, 15 m, 2. x. 2012, 1 spec, R 65 mm (UFBA 1710). Madre de Deus: intertidal, 8. iv. 2008, 1 spec, R 56 mm (UFBA 625). Itaparica Island: Medo Island, intertidal, 7. ix. 1991, 4 specs, R 36 – 51 mm (UFBA 31, 37); Ponta de Areia beach, 4. vi. 2000, 2 specs, R 37 – 48 mm (UFBA 473). Vera Cruz: Duro beach, 1 m, 20. ix. 2009, 2 specs, R 41 – 42 mm (UFBA 961). Salvador: Plataforma beach, intertidal, 29. vii. 2007, 7 specs, R 39 – 60 mm (UFBA 586); Ribeira beach, intertidal, 15. v. 1991, 2 specs, R 31 – 39 mm (UFBA 38); intertidal, 1. iii. 2006, 34 specs, R 36 – 59 mm (UFBA 131, 173 – 175); Barra beach, intertidal, 6. vii. 2004, 1 spec, R 33 mm (UFBA 33). Comparative material. BRAZIL, 2 specs, R 54 – 55 mm (ZMB 550 – 551, syntypes).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB7FFCFFF5442D17F66F860.taxon	description	Description (R 31 – 65 mm). Disc small, average R / r 4.4 (Fig. 13 A – C). Five slender arms, tapering distally, with 9 – 11 rows of long and sharp spines (ca. 1.0 – 1.5 mm) without mammiform base. Small secondary plates between abactinal plates; skin not very thick but obscuring plating. Abactinal region covered by many papulae and glandular cells. Five primary plates on disc, each with a spine forming a pentagon; one central spine (Fig. 13 D). Anus near central spine, surrounded by 3 – 6 spinelets. Madreporite flat, without spinelets. Superomarginal spines same size as abactinal ones. Inferomarginal plates with one spine each, forming a row; inferomarginal spines larger than others (ca. 1.7 mm). Abactinal and marginal spines sharp, straight or slightly curved, tapering. Actinal plates absent. Terminal plate small, curved, with 6 – 7 small spines. Actinal region with several closed pores (one row plus scattered pores) (Fig. 13 E). One curved adambulacral spine. Two subambulacral spines forming a V along the furrow (Fig. 13 F), proximal region sometimes with third spine; spines are usually equal, but outer spine may be larger than inner. Interradial region naked, sometimes with a central spine. Oral spines completely covering mouth opening. Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc present. Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 17 – 30 mm). Average R / r 3.9 (Fig. 14 A – C). Spines proportionally larger and fewer (7 rows) than in large specimen; 4 – 5 small spines on the terminal plate (Fig. 14 D). Two unequal subambulacral spines, outer spine larger than inner (Fig. 14 E). Coloration. Specimens in vivo are light to scarlet red. Specimens in ethanol are brown, dark brown or beige.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB7FFCFFF5442D17F66F860.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Gulf of Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Uruguay, Argentina, Malvinas Islands (Sandino et al. 2017; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019; Mah 2020 a). BRAZIL: Pará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul (Rathbun 1879; Verrill 1915; Bernasconi 1956; Brito 1968; Tommasi 1970; Carrera-Rodriguez & Tommasi 1977; Ávila-Pires 1983; Clark & Downey 1992; Hopkins et al. 2003; Miranda et al. 2012; Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013; Gondim et al. 2014; Alitto et al. 2016; Bumbeer et al. 2016; Bueno et al. 2018; Miranda 2018; Torres & Torres 2019; Mah 2020 a). Depth. Intertidal to 60 m (Clark & Downey 1992; present paper). Biological notes. Specimens from Bahia are found in sandy and muddy substrate, commonly on top of rocks. Some populations live in regions of low salinity, such as the delta of the Paraguaçu River. Othilia brasiliensis usually feeds on sponges of the genera Mycale Gray, 1867, Haliclona Grant, 1841 and Tedania Gray, 1867 (Guerrazi et al. 1999), but they also feed on sea anemones, brine shrimp, true shrimp (Queiroz 2012; Alcantara & Costa 2019). Lopes & Ventura (2016) described the early developmental stages of O. brasiliensis [as Echinaster (Othilia) brasiliensis], which is similar to the development of other Echinasteridae species. Othilia brasiliensis is classified as “ Least Concern ” by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018) and its harvesting in Brazil is currently prohibited (Gurjão & Lotufo 2018). Syntypes. ZMB 550 – 552.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB7FFCFFF5442D17F66F860.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Müller & Troschel (1842) were not specific with regards to the type locality of this species and the locality in the specimen label is Brazil. Walenkamp (1979) cited Ubatuba as the type locality but no justification for this assignment was provided.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB7FFCFFF5442D17F66F860.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Walenkamp (1976) and Gondim et al. (2014) looked for intraspecific variability in specimens from varied size ranges (R 7 – 41 mm) but ontogenetic variation was not observed (note that Walenkamp’s specimens were O. guyanensis according to A. M. Clark [1987]). Clark & Downey (1992) reported the presence of spinelets in the madreporite of O. brasiliensis, these were not found in the specimens described here. They also mention the presence of 4 – 5 ambulacral spines; the specimens described here and those by Hopkins et al. (2003) have 3 – 4 spines. Seixas et al. (2019) described the mitochondrial genome of this species; its 16,219 base pairs are AT-rich.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB0FFF4FF5447837E7FFE01.taxon	description	Figures 15 – 16	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB0FFF4FF5447837E7FFE01.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (40 specs, 25 – 55 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia (12 ° 45 ’ – 13 ° 00 ’ S; 38 ° 21 ’ – 38 ° 45 ’ W) — Salvador: Barra beach, 6. viii. 2004, 1 spec, R 25 mm (UFBA 30); Ribeira beach, intertidal, 20. vi. 2005, 2 specs, R 28 – 30 mm (UFBA 35). Cairu de Salinas, Salinas das Margaridas, intertidal, 26. viii. 2007, 3 specs, R 34 – 40 mm (UFBA 588). Itaparica: Medo Island, intertidal, 29. v. 1994, 1 spec, R 45 mm (UFBA 190). Salvador: Frade Island, Nossa Senhora beach, 3 m, 17. x. 2008, 6 specs, R 43 – 55 mm (UFBA 673); Itapuã beach, intertidal, 11. ii. 1993, 1 spec, R 40 mm (UFBA 472); Penha beach, 3 m, 10. iv. 2008, 24 specs, R 33 – 54 mm (UFBA 667); Ribeira beach, intertidal, 5. vi. 2004, 1 spec, R 38 mm (UFBA 36); intertidal, 5. xii. 2004, 2 specs, R 38 – 43 mm (UFBA 29).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB0FFF4FF5447837E7FFE01.taxon	description	Description (R 34 – 55 mm). Disc small, average R / r 4.0. Five short and robust arms, tapering distally, with 7 – 9 rows of long and robust spines (ca. 1.7 mm) with or without a mammiform base (Fig. 15 A – B). Abactinal region covered by many papulae and glandular cells; skin not very thick but obscuring plating. Five primary plates on disc, each with a large spine forming a pentagon; one central spine (Fig. 15 C). Anus near central spine, surrounded by 4 – 5 robust spinelets. Madreporite flat, peripherally armed with spinelets. Superomarginal spines larger than abactinal ones (Fig. 15 E). Inferomarginal plates with one (sometimes two) spine each, forming a row. Abactinal and marginal spines sharp, straight or slightly curved, tapering. Actinal plates absent. Terminal plate robust, slightly curved at arm tip, and with five large, unequal spines. Actinal region with several open pores (one row plus scattered pores). Two unequal, curved adambulacral spines. Two equal subambulacral spines forming a V along the furrow (Fig. 15 F). Interradial region naked, with a prominent, central spine. Oral spines completely covering mouth opening (Fig. 15 D). Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc present. Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 25 – 30 mm). Average R / r 3.6 (Fig. 16 A – B). Spines proportionally larger and fewer (7 rows) than in large specimen, arms constricted at the base. Two unequal subambulacral spines, outer spine larger than inner (Fig. 16 E). Coloration. Specimens in vivo are dark red. Specimens in ethanol are brown, dark brown or beige.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB0FFF4FF5447837E7FFE01.taxon	distribution	Distribution. U. S. A. (FL), Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, The The Bahamas, Caribbean Sea, Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana (Sandino et al. 2017; Mah 2020 a). BRAZIL: Amapá, Pará, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro (Lamarck 1816; Rathbun 1879; Verrill 1915; Bernasconi 1958; Walenkamp 1979; Ávila-Pires 1983; Tommasi & Aron 1988; Clark & Downey 1992; Magris & Deìstro 2010; Miranda et al. 2012; Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013; Gondim et al. 2014; Souto & Martins 2017). Depth. Intertidal to 55 (65?) m (Clark & Downey 1992). Biological notes. Othilia echinophora is a relatively abundant species found often in hard substrate, sometimes in sympatry with O. brasiliensis. In the southeast of the state eight specimens were found in fine calcareous sand with calcareous rocks (Tommasi & Aron 1988). Some populations live in regions of low salinity, such as the delta of the Paraguaçu River. Specimens from Bahia are often found associated with corals (Souto & Martins 2017), above the sediment, and in rock crevices (Alves & Cerqueira 2000). Spongivory by Caribbean specimens have been reported (Waddell & Pawlik 2000). Othilia echinophora has been used in the treatment of asthma (Costa-Neto 1999; Alves et al. 2009; Alves & Dias 2010) and its extracts contain low toxicity compounds that can be used to treat cutaneous leishmaniosis (Parra et al. 2010). In northeastern Brazil, this species is collected for the aquarium trade (Martins et al. 2012). Othilia echinophora is classified as “ Least Concern ” by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018). According to Gurjão & Lotufo (2018), its harvesting in Brazil is currently prohibited. Lectotype. MNHN-IE- 2014072 (Ec As 1976), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFFB0FFF4FF5447837E7FFE01.taxon	materials_examined	Type Location. The type locality cited by Lamarck (1816, p. 560) is “ Virginie ”, which would refer to the state of Virginia, U. S. A.; however, O. echinophora has only been found up to Florida. Clark & Downey (1992) deemed unlikely that Lamarck’s assignment was correct and suggested that the type locality is most likely in northeastern Brazil. We are not aware of any coastal Brazilian locality with this name. Another possibility is that the specimens at the MNHN do not belong to the type series, as the label indicates uncertainty on their status (i. e. “ types supposés ”) (but see Perrier [1875, p. 101]. Taxonomic remarks of the genus Othilia Here we used the characteristic suggested by Hopkins et al. (2003), i. e. presence of a row of closed pores between the adambulacral and the inferomarginal plates in O. brasiliensis versus the presence of open pores in O. echinophora, to distinguish these species. A. M. Clark (1987) distinguished O. brasiliensis from O. echinophora and O. guyanensis by the blunt tip of the abactinal spines (vs. pointed tip) and the presence of intermarginal plates beyond half of the arm length (vs. plates restricted to less than half of the arm length). In our specimens, the tip of the spines in O. brasiliensis are pointier than the tip of the spines in O. echinophora. Hopkins et al. (2003) used three characteristics to diagnose the Brazilian O. guyanensis, but molecular data did not support its separation from O. brasiliensis. As a result, Lopes et al. (2016) suggested that these two species should be synonymized. Their conclusion, however, is premature because their analysis did not include specimens from the type locality of O. guyanensis and given the similarity among the species of the genus Othilia, the specimens included could have been misidentified. In the diagnostic table presented by A. M. Clark (1987), the best character used to distinguish O. guyanensis from O. brasiliensis and O. echinophora is the flat to slightly concave madreporite (vs. convex). Discussing the status of O. guyanensis is beyond the scope of this study, but similar to Gondim et al. (2014), we have not found specimens unambiguously identified as O. guyanensis in northeastern Brazil. Order Valvatida Perrier, 1884	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF4FF54457E7D52FC8E.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Asterinides folium (Lütken, 1860) (type by original designation).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF4FF54457E7D52FC8E.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Asterinides includes four valid species, all of them originally described in different genera: A. folium, A. hartmeyeri (Döderlein, 1910), A. pilosa (Perrier, 1881) and A. pompom (Clark, 1983). All of these species occur in the Western Atlantic Ocean, especially in the Caribbean Sea, and A. folium is the only one found in the southern hemisphere.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF7FF5444D97887FCE0.taxon	description	Figures 17 – 18	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF7FF5444D97887FCE0.taxon	description	Cunha et al. 2020: 46.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF7FF5444D97887FCE0.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (8 specs, 2 – 7 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia (12 ° 47 ’ – 13 ° 05 ’ S; 38 ° 08 ’ – 38 ° 39 ’ W) — Busca Vida beach, Guarajuba, 23 m, 1. ii. 2006, 1 spec, R 2 mm (UFBA 685); 23 m, i. 2010, 4 specs, R 2 – 2.6 mm (UFBA 983, 1076); 25 m, vii. 2010, 1 spec, R 1.5 mm (UFBA 1163). Todos os Santos Bay, 12 m, 5. iv. 1997, 1 spec, R 2 mm (UFBA 1107). Salvador, Itapuã beach, 1 m, 19. ii. 2007, 1 spec, R 7 mm (UFBA 528). Comparative material. Asterinides pilosa: BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND. Caribbean Sea, 9 – 12 m, 11. v. 1976, 2 specs, R 3 – 3.8 mm (CASIZ 112487). Asterinides pompom: The Bahamas. Whitehorse Cay, 9 m, 28. vi. 1998, 1 spec, R 13 mm (CASIZ 117432).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF7FF5444D97887FCE0.taxon	description	Description of largest specimen (R 7 mm). Body stellate (Fig. 17 A – D), disc inflated; R / r 1.4. Five arms. Abactinal plates regularly arranged, imbricated (Fig. 17 C), with tufts of spinelets (up to 12 in proximal plates) in proximal edge, and thick crystalline bodies. Terminal plates naked. Madreporite large, suboval, sunk between proximal plates (Fig. 18 B). Primary plates heart-shaped (Fig. 18 A). Papular areas small, conspicuous, with one papula (Fig. 18 B), forming a longitudinal series of six areas along each arm. Superomarginal plates with 15 – 20 slender spines. Inferomarginal plates with tufts of 17 – 20 spinelets projected outwards (Fig. 18 E). Actinal plates with 2 – 3 pointed spines, central spine often longest (Fig. 18 F). Three adambulacral spines, webbed, central spine often longest (Fig. 18 D). Two to three subambulacral spines, webbed (Fig. 18 D). Oral plates with six oral spines and four suboral spines, all webbed (Fig. 18 C). Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc present. Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 1.5 – 2.6 mm). Average R / r 1.4. Differs from the largest specimen by having a pentagonal shape; juxtaposed abactinal plates; primary plates rosette-shaped (Fig. 17 E); a pair of papular area per interradius, in proximal region; few or no actinal spines; tufts of inferomarginal spines conspicuous; two oral spines. Also, the smallest specimen (R 1.5 mm) has only one spine per adambulacral plate. Coloration. Specimen in vivo has scarlet red abactinal region and white to yellowish actinal region, with orange edge. Specimens in ethanol are white to beige.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF7FF5444D97887FCE0.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Bermuda, U. S. A. (FL), Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, The The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Belize, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela (Verrill 1915; Clark & Downey 1992; Hendler et al. 1995; Alvarado et al. 2008; Benavides-Serrato et al. 2011; Sandino et al. 2017). BRAZIL: Paraíba, Bahia, Trindade Island, Rio de Janeiro (Brito 1968, 1971; Tommasi 1970; Clark & Downey 1992; Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013; Gondim et al. 2014; Souto & Martins 2017; Cunha et al. 2020). Depth. 0 – 25 m (Clark & Downey 1992; present paper). Biological notes. Specimens from Bahia live under rocks, in sandy and calcareous bottoms, often in isolation. Specimens from Trindade Island also live under rocks but in densities of 25 specimens per site (Brito 1968; 1971). Specimens from the Caribbean are also solitary and their coloration varies with size: juvenile specimens are white, intermediate specimens are red, yellow or yellowish, and adult specimens are blue and blue-green (Hendler et al. 1995). Souto & Martins (2017) reported that the sites from Camaçari, Bahia, are recruitment areas for A. folium populations since only small specimens were found at those sites; their coloration was not recorded by collectors. The larger specimen was collected in the shallow subtidal region. Syntype. NHMD 76237 [previously as ZMUC AST 69] (Tom Schiøtte, per. comm).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF7FF5444D97887FCE0.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. St. Thomas, U. S. Virgin Islands (Lütken, 1860).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8DFFF7FF5444D97887FCE0.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Clark & Downey (1992), O’Loughlin (2002) and O’Loughlin & Waters (2004) reported additional intraspecific variation not observed here, including the presence of 4 – 6 arms (vs. 5 arms); up to 20 spinelets in the proximal plates (vs. up to 12); 2 – 5 spines on the actinal plates (vs. 2 – 3); 3 – 5 adambulacral spines (vs. three). The specimens described in these papers were up to R 19 mm (vs. up to R 7 mm in the present study) and although they do not mention ontogenetic variation, the higher number of spines and spinelets reported may be related to size. H. L. Clark (1933) noted that adult specimens have at least R 10 mm. Asterinides folium differs from A. pilosa by having five arms, rays not clearly defined, and up to five spines in actinal plates (vs. six arms, distinct rays and clusters of small spines), from A. hartmeyeri by having a fringe of 15 – 20 inferomarginal spinelets (vs. 6 – 10 spinelets), and from A. pompom by having a stellate shape and single papulae (vs. pentagonal shape with indistinct rays and paired papulae in the middle of the arm). Also, A. pompom has an inflated petaloid area in the abactinal region and a granulose structure with a cluster of thin spinelets in most abactinal plates. For a thorough revision of the genus Asterinides, see O’Loughlin & Waters (2004).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF7FF5444BA7EC0FB69.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Nymphaster arenatus (Perrier, 1881) (type by subsequent designation by Fisher, 1917).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF7FF5444BA7EC0FB69.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus Nymphaster includes 16 species and only N. arenatus occurs in the Atlantic Ocean (Mah, 2020 b). Halpern (1970 b) identified two species from the Atlantic Ocean, but Clark & Downey (1992) synonymized N. subspinosus (Perrier, 1881) with N. arenatus.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	description	Figures 19 – 20	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	description	Sandino et al. 2017: S 294; Rubio-Polania et al. 2018: 190; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019: 5; Mah 2020 b: 230, fig. 13 A – E.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. (4 specs, 45 – 70 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia, Canavieiras (15 º 39 ’ S; 38 º 32 ’ W) — 1496 m, 26. xii. 1887, 4 specs, R 45 – 70 mm (USNM 18524). Comparative material. BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro, Cabo Frio (19 ° 43 ’ S; 38 ° 36 ’ W), 29. vi. 1999, 1 spec, R 52 mm (EQMN 2325).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	description	Description (arms broken: R 70 mm, r 21 mm and R 69 mm and r 27 mm). Body stellate, flat, broad disc, long arms (Fig. 19 A – B); R / r 2.9, 19 SM plates, R / SM # 3.68. Abactinal plates low-tabulate, irregularly round, completely covered by regularly spaced, rounded granules; 4 – 12 central granules. Some plates with small, excavated sugar-tong pedicellariae (Fig. 19 C). Papular area includes center of disc; six papular pores surround each plate; single papule in each pore. Madreporite larger than adjacent abactinal plates (Fig. 19 D). Subcentral anus, surrounded by small, conical spinelets. Superomarginal plates in contact throughout length of arm, covered by large, regularly-spaced, rounded granules. Terminal plates of specimens broken. Inferomarginal plates about twice as wide as long in interradial arc, square-shaped in middle region of arm and about twice as long as wide in distal region of arm. Granulation of inferomarginal plates similar to that of superomarginal plates. Actinal plates rhombic to polygonal, covered by regularly spaced, large, rounded granules slightly larger than those on marginal plates. Some actinal plates with excavate, sugar-tong pedicellariae almost twice as large as abactinal pedicellariae. Adambulacral plates about 1 – 1.5 x as long as wide, half the size of adjacent actinal plates. Furrow margin strongly angular. Apophyses poorly developed from 3 rd – 4 th plate, fully developed from eighth plate (Fig. 19 E). Eight adambulacral spines on proximal plates; number of spines increases with apophysis development, up to 11 spines distally (Fig. 19 F). Adambulacral spines compressed, moderately long, with rounded tips. 3 – 4 irregular rows of subambulacral “ spines ” with 4 – 5 large, rounded granules slightly taller than actinal granules. Some of first row spines elongated (Fig. 19 F). Spatulate pedicellariae with 2 – 4 valves, until 4 th – 5 th adambulacral plate. Oral plates long, triangular, with 9 – 10 spines each, similar to those of adambulacral plates; median spines slightly taller and more compressed than others (Fig. 19 H). Ontogenetic variation (arms broken: R 45 and 55 mm, r 15 mm). Average R / r 3.3. Differ from largest specimen by having 4 – 8 central granules on abactinal plates (Fig. 20 C); six adambulacral spines in the proximal region; 2 – 3 irregular rows of subambulacral “ spines ”, with 2 – 5 granules (Fig. 20 F); pedicellariae until the tenth adambulacral plate (Fig. 20 F); eight oral spines (Fig. 20 H). Coloration. The abactinal surface is orange and the actinal surface is cream-colored (Halpern 1970 b).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia (Soaréz 2016; Sandino et al. 2017; Rubio-Polania et al. 2018; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019; Mah 2020 b). BRAZIL: Bahia, Rio de Janeiro (Ventura et al. 2007; Campos et al. 2010 b; Costa et al. 2015). Depth. 100 – 3000 m (Clark & Downey 1992; NMNH 1592525; FSBC I 74877). Biological notes. Nymphaster arenatus lives on soft, unconsolidated sediment and is classified as scavenger and predator (Costa et al. 2015; Wagstaff et al. 2014; Mah 2020 b). It feeds on fouling organisms, debris, epifauna and decomposing organisms (Ventura et al. 2007). Campos et al. (2010 b) filmed a specimen with an inflated disc in the Campus Basin, between 700 – 1000 m of depth. A species of polychaete has been found within thestar’s interradius, possibly in a commensal interaction in which the polychaete consumes leftovers from food caught by the sea star (Mah 2020 b). Lectotype. MCZ 437 (designated by Halpern [1970 b]).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Off Barbados (Halpern 1970 b).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	discussion	Remarks. All specimens examined here have broken arm-tips such that the number of superomarginal plates could not be counted. Some of the ontogenetic variation observed here were also noted by Halpern (1970 b). The variation in number of proximal adambulacral spines, however, is not consistent across studies. The specimens R 45 – 55 mm described here and the specimen from Rio de Janeiro (R 52 mm) have six spines, the specimen described by Clark & Downey (1992) (R 61 mm) has about seven spines; the specimens R 69 – 70 mm described here have 7 – 8 spines, and the specimen described by Halpern (1970 b) (R 96 mm) has 6 – 7 spines. The variation in the number of irregular rows of subambulacral “ spines ” seems to be more consistent. The specimens R 45 – 55 mm have 2 – 3 rows, the specimen R 61 mm has 1 – 4 rows, and the specimens R 69 – 96 mm have 3 – 4 rows. The same applies for the number of oral spines as follows: the specimens R 45 – 55 mm have 6 – 8 spines, the specimen R 61 mm has 8 – 12 spines, the specimens R 69 – 70 have 9 – 10 spines and the specimen 96 mm has 10 – 11 spines. Fisher (1913) used this character to separate species of Nymphaster from the Philippines and most likely overestimated the number of species recorded: a total of nine. Genus Plinthaster Verrill, 1899	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Plinthaster dentatus (Perrier, 1884) (type by subsequent designation by Fisher, 1910).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8EFFF2FF5443F97E7AF8EB.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Plinthaster has four valid species: P. ceramoidea (Fisher, 1906) (Pacific Ocean), P. dentatus (Perrier, 1884) (Amphiatlantic, and Pacific Ocean), P. lenaigae Mah, 2018 and P. untiedtae Mah, 2018 (Indian Ocean). Only P. dentatus is recorded in Brazil.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8AFFFDFF544783780BFD94.taxon	description	Figure 21	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8AFFFDFF544783780BFD94.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (1 spec, 20 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia, Morro de São Paulo (13 ° 42 ’ S; 38 ° 64 ’ W), 801 m, 19. vi. 2000, 1 spec, R 20 mm (EQMN 2346). Comparative material. GRENADA. Off Grenada, 762 m, 28. ii. 1879, 1 spec, R 34 mm (MCZ AST 408, lectotype); BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro, 1227 m, 30. xii. 1887, 1 spec, R 15 mm (YPM IZ 9526. EC).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8AFFFDFF544783780BFD94.taxon	description	Description (R 20 mm). Body stellate, flat, arms short (Fig. 21 A – B); R / r 2.0; 7 SM plates; R / SM # 2.86. Abactinal plates polygonal, flat, bare in center and surrounded by one row of granules (Fig. 21 C). Some plates with pedicellariae and crystal bodies (Fig. 21 D). Plates irregularly arranged in the center of disc, regularly arranged towards the arms and absent at arm tip. Madreporite large (Fig. 21 A, D). Terminal plate large, naked, tapering distally (Fig. 21 E). Papulae large, single. Marginal plates block-like, with scattered granules (note that plates in specimen analyzed are abraded), forming an ambitus and surrounded by one row of granules; 14 per interradius. Superomarginal plates naked; three distalmost pairs in contact medially (Fig. 21 E). Actinal areas large. Inferomarginal plates similar to superomarginal plates, but with some granules along edge. Actinal plates flat, large, covered with regularly spaced, coarse granules (Fig. 21 F). Five blunt adambulacral spines. Two rows of subambulacral spines, smaller than adambulacral spines: first row with 3 – 4 spines, second row with 3 – 5 spines per plate (Fig. 21 G). Oral plates with nine subprismatic spines (Fig. 21 H); spines increasing in size toward mouth. Bivalved pedicellariae on actinal plates, near ambulacral furrow. Coloration. No record of coloration of in vivo specimens from this region. Halpern (1970 b) mentioned that live specimens have an orange abactinal region and creamy actinal. Specimen in ethanol is beige with brown spots.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8AFFFDFF544783780BFD94.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Pacific Ocean: New South Wales, Australia and Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. Eastern Atlantic: Ireland, Bay of Biscay, Spain, Azores, Canary Islands, Morocco, Cape Verde, Liberia, Gulf of Guinea. Western Atlantic: U. S. A. (NC, SC, FL, LA, TX), The Bahamas, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Anguilla, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Uruguay (Clark 1941; Gray et al. 1968; Halpern 1970 b; Sibuet 1977; Clark & Downey 1992; Clark & McKnight 2001; Alvarado & Solís-Marín 2013; Soaréz 2016; Sandino et al. 2017; Serrano et al. 2017; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019; Madeira et al. 2019; Mah 2020 b). BRAZIL: Maranhão, Bahia, Espírito Santo (Halpern 1970 b; Ventura et al. 2007; Gondim et al. 2014) and Rio de Janeiro (YPM IZ 9526. EC, not analyzed). Depth. 229 – 2910 m (Clark & Downey 1992). Biological notes. Plinthaster dentatus is a deep-water species and its biology is not well studied. This species feeds on foraminifera, crinoid arms, corals, encrusting organisms and geodiid sponges (Halpern 1970 a; Mah 2020 b). Lectotype. MCZ 408, by subsequent designation of Halpern (1970 b). Perrier (1884) mentioned three specimens in his paper, two from off Cuba (one of them R 14 mm) and one from off Grenada (MCZ 408; about R 34 mm), but we could not locate the specimens from off Cuba.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8AFFFDFF544783780BFD94.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. Off Grenada.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF8AFFFDFF544783780BFD94.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Plinthaster dentatus is a widely distributed species and the intraspecific variation described is remarkable. Unfortunately, most descriptions do not detail which variation was due to ontogeny. Sumida et al. (2001) provided morphological data on specimens from Ireland ranging from R 1.1 to 7.6 mm and concluded that juveniles of P. dentatus have isometric growth. Next, we compare the specimens described by them with our specimen and the specimens described by Perrier (1884; R 14 mm and 34 mm), Halpern (1970 b; R 45 mm), Clark & Downey (1992; R 45 mm) and Mah (2018; R 55 – 70 mm). The number of marginal plates per interradius increases from 2 – 6 in R <3.6 mm, to 10 in R 14 mm (Perrier 1884), to 14 in R 20 mm, to 16 in R 34 mm (lectotype), to up to 20 in R 55 – 70 mm. Halpern (1970 b) and Downey (1973) mentioned that the inferomarginal plates may be smaller and more numerous than the superomarginal plates. The number of superomarginal plates in contact varies from none in R 2.28 mm, to one pair in R 3.6 mm, to three pairs in R 20 mm, reaching five pairs. The number of spines also increase with growth as following: the number of adambulacral spines increases from 3 – 4 spines in specimens up to R 7.6 mm, to five spines in R 14 – 20 mm, to 6 – 8 spines in R 34 – 45 mm; the number of subambulacral spines increases from one spine in R <7.6 mm, to 3 – 4 spines in the first row in R 20 mm, to 4 – 6 spines in the first row in R 34 – 45 mm; and the number of oral spines increases from 6 – 8 per plate in R 1.19 mm, to ten in R 2.27 mm to 18 – 20 in R 20 – 45 mm. The number of subambulacral rows varies from one in R <7.6 mm to 2 – 3 in R 20 – 45 mm. Finally, the shape of the body (from pentagonal to stellate; which greatly affects the R / r ratio), the presence and distribution of granules in the marginal plates, the shape of the marginal plates (flat to tumid, thin to thick, round to rectangular), and the number (from none to several), placement (abactinal, actinal or both surfaces) and morphology (number of valves) of pedicellariae show great interspecific variability (Perrier 1884; Halpern 1970 b; Clark & Downey 1992; present paper). Plinthaster dentatus differs from the other species by having 12 – 20 marginal plates per interradius (vs. 6 – 8 marginal plates in P. lenaigae and P. untiedtae, and 8 – 10 in P. ceramoidea) (Mah 2018).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFFDFF5445EE7925FC36.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Linckia laevigata (Linnaeus, 1758) (type by original designation).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFFDFF5445EE7925FC36.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus Linckia is composed of nine species, only three of these are recorded for the Atlantic Ocean: L. bouvieri Perrier, 1875, L. guildingi and L. nodosa Perrier, 1875, the last two have been recorded in Brazil.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFF8FF5443017FD9FCA2.taxon	description	Figures 22 – 23	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFF8FF5443017FD9FCA2.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (34 specs, 6 – 120 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia (12 ° 45 ’ – 13 ° 54 ’ S; 38 ° 37 ’ – 38 ° 58 ’ W) — Salvador: Amaralina beach, intertidal, 8. iv. 2008, 1 spec, R 6 mm (UFBA 627); Pituba beach, intertidal, 26. i. 2006, 1 spec, R 45 mm (UFBA 169); intertidal, 4. xi. 2010, 1 spec, R 57 mm (UFBA 1213); intertidal, 2. v. 2011, 4 specs, R 50 – 74 mm (UFBA 1360); Itaparica Island, intertidal, 23. xi. 1991, 2 specs, R 30 – 60 mm (UFBA 194); Ponta de Humaitá beach, intertidal, ii. 2011, 2 specs, R 45 – 54 mm (UFBA 1269 – 1270). Barra Grande beach, Vera Cruz, 16 m, 2. x. 2007, 1 spec, R 10 mm (UFBA 529). Frades Island, Ponta de Nossa Senhora, 3 m, 17. x. 2008, 8 specs, R 76 – 104 mm (UFBA 674). Salvador: Farol da Barra beach, 17. i. 2007, 1 spec, R 76 mm (UFBA 470); Itapuã beach, intertidal, 1. viii. 2007, 1 spec, R 114 mm (UFBA 590); Pituba beach, intertidal, 16. iv. 1991, 1 spec, R 95 mm (UFBA 591); intertidal, 5. vii. 1997, 2 specs, R 105 – 120 mm (UFBA 41); intertidal, 2005, 1 spec, R 118 mm (UFBA 639); intertidal, 8. iv. 2008, 1 spec, R 87 mm (UFBA 626); intertidal, 2. v. 2011, 5 specs, R 82 – 113 mm (UFBA 1360); Ponta de Humaitá beach, intertidal, xii. 2010, 1 spec, R 116 mm (UFBA 1268). Comparative material. BRAZIL. Alagoas, Ipioca coral reef, 1. vii. 2007, 1 spec, R 35 mm (UFBA 533). WEST INDIES, 1 spec, R 24 mm (NHM-UK 1953.4. 27.68, lectotype); 1 spec, R 15 mm (NHM-UK 1953.4. 27.68, paralectotype).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFF8FF5443017FD9FCA2.taxon	description	Description (R 76 – 120 mm). Small disc; average R / r 12.5. Five to six (rarely 1, 4 or 7) long, narrow, cylindri- cal arms (Fig. 22 A – B). Abactinal surface with small, irregularly arranged, tumid plates covered by granules (Fig. 22 C). Marginal plates larger than abactinal plates, tumid, covered by granules and arranged into two longitudinal rows. Papular areas large, only on abactinal surface, with 11 – 25 pores; number of pores lower near disc; actinal surface without papular areas. One to two madreporites (Fig. 22 E) with deep furrows; only one per interradius. Anus inconspicuous. Terminal plates small, oval, covered by granules. Actinal plates (Fig. 22 D) arranged into three rows extending almost or completely to tip of arm, covered by granules slightly larger than those on abactinal surface; plates near furrow larger than others. Two blunt adambulacral spines, proximal spine larger. Two rows of large, blunt subambulacral spines; outer spines granular-shaped. Innermost two spines on oral plates smaller than adjacent spines (Fig. 22 F). Tube feet in two rows; sucking disc with perforated plates (Fig. 23 G – H). Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 6 – 74 mm). Average R / r 9.2. Terminal plates proportionally larger than that of large specimen; plate naked or only with a few granules (Fig. 23 D). Papular areas small, with 1 – 5 pores. Madreporite proportionally smaller than that of large specimen, with few gyres (Fig. 23 C). Marginal plates prominent in specimens up to R 15 mm. Second row of subambulacral spines in specimens up to R 55 mm almost same size as adjacent granules (Fig. 23 E), making it hard to differentiate them. Innermost spines on oral plate prominent (Fig. 23 F). Coloration. Specimens in vivo are whitish, pink or light brown; papular areas darker. Specimens in ethanol are beige to brown or light pink.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFF8FF5443017FD9FCA2.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Circumtropical (Clark & Downey 1992; Alvarado & Solis-Marin 2013; Gondim et al. 2014; Cunha et al. 2020). BRAZIL: Pará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Trindade Island, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Verrill 1868; Rathbun 1879; Verrill 1915; Brito 1960, 1968; Tommasi 1970; Tommasi & Aron 1988; Gondim et al. 2014; Carmo et al. 2015; Souto & Martins 2017; Miranda 2018; Cunha et al. 2020). Depth. 0 – 298 m (Clark & Downey 1992). Biological notes. Linckia guildingi is a nocturnal species, commonly found under rocks, in rock crevices, on coral reefs, rhodolith beds and in sandy bottoms from Bahia (Alves & Cerqueira 2000; Sampaio 2010; Prata et al. 2020; present paper). Specimens in the Northern Brazil have also been found in muddy bottoms (Miranda 2018). Juveniles of this species reproduce asexually by fission (Clark 1933) and are often found with arms of different sizes (note that our measurements were based on the largest arm). Martins et al. (2012) reported the commercial exploitation of this species for the aquarium trade, but the harvesting of L. guildingi in Brazil is currently prohibited (Gurjão & Lotufo 2018). This species is classified as “ Vulnerable ” (baseline data indicates that the population size is small [i. e., number of mature individuals per subpopulation is 1000 or less] and currently in decline) by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018). Patrizzi & Dobrovolski (2018) predicted that the habitable range of L. guildingi may have a 10 – 28 - fold expansion under higher atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. The effect of this expansion on the local communities is unknown, but it is likely to cause negative trophic impact (Kordas et al. 2011). Lectotype. NHM-UK 1953.4. 27.68.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFF8FF5443017FD9FCA2.taxon	materials_examined	Type locality. West Indies.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFF8FF5443017FD9FCA2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The data presented by Clark & Downey (1992) and the morphology of the type specimens (R 15 – 24 mm) support the ontogenetic variation described here. According to H. L. Clark (1933), adult individuals vary from R 75 – 215 mm. Linckia bouvieri and L. nodosa differ from L. guildingi by having smaller papular areas, secondary plates between the primary plates, and large abactinal plates (vs. large papular areas, secondary plates absent, and small abactinal plates). Also, the abactinal plates in L. bouvieri are flat (vs. tumid). Genus Narcissia Gray, 1840	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFF8FF5443017FD9FCA2.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Narcissia canariensis (d’Orbigny, 1839) (type by monotypy).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF84FFF8FF5443017FD9FCA2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus Narcissia is composed of four species: Narcissia ahearnae Pawson, 2007 (from NW Atlantic), Narcissia canariensis (d’Orbigny, 1839) (from East Atlantic), Narcissia gracilis Clark, 1916 (from East Pacific) and Narcissia trigonaria Sladen, 1889 (from West Atlantic). The classification of Narcissia has been controversial since molecular data placed N. trigonaria in an unusual phylogenetic position, sister to a clade with goniasterid and ophidiasterid species (Mah & Foltz 2011). Here, we follow Mah (2020 a) and keep Narcissia in the family Ophidiasteridae.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF81FFFBFF5444BD7803FD38.taxon	description	Figures 24 – 25	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF81FFFBFF5444BD7803FD38.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (10 specs, 7 – 122 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia (12 ° 44 ’ – 13 ° 00 ’ S; 38 ° 05 ’ – 38 ° 31 ’ W) — off Bahia, 1 spec, R 62 mm (NHM-UK 90.5. 7.641, holotype). Busca Vida beach, 23 m, vii. 2005, 1 spec, R 8 mm (UFBA 1090); 23 m, ii. 2008, 1 spec, R 16 mm (UFBA 929); 32 m, vii. 2008, 1 spec, R 7 mm (UFBA 1089). Busca Vida beach, 1. v. 1993, 1 spec, R 95 mm (UFBA 521). Ponta de Areia beach, Itaparica Island, 2000, 1 spec, R 75 mm (UFBA 469). Salvador: 38 m, 2003, 1 spec, R 122 mm (UFBA 570); Barra beach, intertidal, 4. iv. 1994, 2 specs, R 70 – 82 mm (UFBA 42); Porto da Barra beach, x. 2008, 1 spec, R 93 mm (UFBA 962). Comparative material. Narcissia ahearnae: U. S. A. Florida, Cape Canaveral, 137 m, 25. x. 1961, 1 spec, R 90 mm (NMNH 9736, paratype). The The Bahamas. Andros Island, Goat Cay, 52 m, S. Abbott coll., 26. ii. 1971, 1 spec, R 120 mm (NMNH E 12440, paratype). Narcissia canariensis: SPAIN. Canary Islands — Tenerife, 1 spec, R 168 mm (NHMUK 1938.6. 23.1, holotype). Narcissia gracilis: MEXICO. Baja California — La Paz Bay, intertidal, 5. v. 1976, 1 spec, R 78 mm (CASIZ 35025); Cabo San Lucas, 6. viii. 1932, 1 spec, R 43 mm (CASIZ 106137); 57 m, 1. v. 1888, 1 spec, R 50 mm (NMNH 38317, holotype). Narcissia trigonaria: GULF OF MEXICO, 53 m, 7. ii. 1885, 1 spec, R 50 mm (CASIZ 106143); BRAZIL. São Paulo, 22. ii. 1992, 1 spec, R 59 mm (MZUSP 272); 1 spec, R 58 mm (MZUSP 315).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF81FFFBFF5444BD7803FD38.taxon	description	Description (R 70 – 122 mm). Disc small, pyramidal; average R / r 4.3 (Fig. 24 A). Arms five, long, distally tapering (Fig. 24 B – C), cross-section triangular. Carinal ridge undulating in horizontal and vertical planes, from center of disc to middle of arms (Fig. 24 B). Abactinal plates irregular-shaped, of various sizes (Fig. 24 D), usually larger along carinal ridge, arranged in irregular series. Abactinal granules round (Fig. 24 E). Papulae isolated in groups of 2 – 3 (Fig. 24 E), surrounded by tightly packed granules; papulae absent in distal region of arm and on actinal region. Madreporite small to medium-sized, varied morphology, in interradius (Fig. 24 F). Anus evident in center of disc. Superomarginal plates large, mostly confined to lateral surface of arm with only a few proximal plates visible from above. Inferomarginal plates confined to actinal surface. Terminal plates large, squared-shaped, usually bare. Actinal area flat, margins rounded. Actinal plates in four rows, one reaching tip of arm; plates covered by prismatic granules more robust and tightly packed than those of abactinal region (Fig. 24 G). Four rows of ambulacral spines (Fig. 24 H). Adambulacral row with 4 – 5 flattened spines with blunt tip; proximal adambulacral spine shortest, twice as wide as others. Three rows of subambulacral spines. First row with four spines shorter than adambulacral spines; proximal spine smallest and prismatic, other spines similar to those of adambulacral row. Second row with four prismatic spines, proximal spine smallest. Third row with 1 – 3 prismatic spines, smaller than those of second row and similar to actinal granules. Oral plates with six pairs of large and thick triangular spines, constricted at the base (Fig. 24 I). Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc present. Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 7 – 62 mm). Average R / r 3.0 (Fig. 25 A). Compared to the body size, the terminal plate is largest in small specimens, forming the tip of the arm (Fig. 25 B). Following are additional differences between the smallest (R 7 – 8 mm), the middle-sized (R 16 mm) and the largest (R 62 mm) specimens examined here: the smallest and the middle-sized (R 7 – 16 mm) specimens have a flat body, while the largest (R 62 mm) specimen has already a disc and carinal ridge elevated; in R 7 – 16 mm, all superomarginal plates are visible from above (Fig. 25 D), but only the proximal plates are seen from above in R 62 mm; R 7 – 16 mm have single papulae (Fig. 25 C – E), but R 62 mm has 1 – 2 papulae per group; in the R 7 – 8 mm, the carinal ridge is not undulating and all granules are rounded, while in R 16 – 62 mm, the carinal ridge is slightly undulating (Fig. 25 B), the abactinal granules are irregular-shaped (Fig. 25 C) and the actinal granules are prismatic; the actinal plates form one row in R 7 – 8 mm, two rows in R 16 mm and three rows in R 62 mm; R 7 – 8 mm have three adambulacral spines (two large and one small), three spines in the first subambulacral row and four spines in the second subambulacral row (third subambulacral row absent or mixed with second row), while R 16 mm has four adambulacral spines (three large and one small), four spines in the first subambulacral row and 5 – 7 spines in the second and third subambulacral rows (Fig. 25 F) (separation between rows is not clear), and the ambulacral rows in R 62 mm are fully developed. Coloration. Specimens in vivo have a cream color with yellow to red-rust large irregular blotches. Specimens in ethanol are white to light brown.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF81FFFBFF5444BD7803FD38.taxon	distribution	Distribution. U. S. A. (NC, SC, GA, FL, LA, TX), The Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, Honduras, Martinique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Yucatan, Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana; Saint Helena Island (Mortensen 1933; Tommasi 1970; Downey 1973; Walenkamp 1976, 1979; Tommasi & Aron 1988; Clark & Downey 1992; Alvarado et al. 2008; Benavides-Serrato et al. 2011; Rubio-Polania et al. 2018). BRAZIL: Pará, Alagoas, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Sladen 1889; Verrill 1915; Brito 1960, 1962; Tommasi 1970; Tommasi & Aron 1988; Miranda et al. 2012; Gondim et al. 2014; Souto & Martins 2017; Miranda 2018; present work). Depth. 0 – 210 m (Pawson 2007 b; present work). Biological notes. In Bahia, N. trigonaria lives in habitats with rocks, corals, calcareous algae and coral rubble, but this species has also been found in muddy substrates in Pará (Miranda 2018). The Brazilian populations of N. trigonaria are affected by pollutants and illegal collection for the aquarium trade (Brites et al. 2008). This species is classified as “ Least Concern ” by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018) and according to Gurjão & Lotufo (2018), its harvesting in Brazil is currently prohibited.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF81FFFBFF5444BD7803FD38.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. NHM-UK 90.5. 7.641. Type locality. off Bahia, Brazil.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF81FFFBFF5444BD7803FD38.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The original description of N. trigonaria was based on a R 62 mm specimen and lacked much important information, including on the presence of pedicellariae and the shape of its arm carinal ridge. More than a century after its description, the holotype of N. trigonaria is redescribed for the first time herein. Contrary to the conclusion of Gondim et al. (2014), intraspecific variability observed throughout the geographical distribution (~ 20 ° N to 24 ° S) of N. trigonaria suggests that this species is not well-established. For example, although Pawson (2007 b) mentioned that pedicellariae in N. trigonaria are abundant, we did not find any pedicellaria on its holotype or in other Brazilian specimens. Specimens from Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Guyana and Suriname, on the other hand, have pedicellariae in abundance (Clark 1921; Downey 1973; Walenkamp 1976; present work); these have two long and thin valves ending in 2 – 3 small teeth (Downey 1973). Also, the literature only describes N. trigo- naria as having a straight carinal ridge, but our observations show that specimens of N. trigonaria from Brazil and Florida have an undulating carinal ridge, while specimens from the Gulf of Mexico have a straight carinal ridge. N. trigonaria differs from N. canariensis by having four rows of ambulacral spines and pedicellariae lacking or with a long, thin stem (vs. three rows of ambulacral spines and abactinal pedicellariae with a short, thick stem) and from N. gracilis by having abactinal plates irregularly distributed and squared terminal plates (vs. abactinal plates forming regular rows and rounded terminal plates). The intraspecific variation in N. trigonaria led Pawson (2007 b) to describe N. ahearnae from specimens previously identified as N. trigonaria from Florida and The The Bahamas. The presence of an undulating carinal ridge, of seven popular pores per square mm, and the rarity or absence of pedicellariae were the traits that he used to distinguish N. ahearnae from N. trigonaria. However, specimens of N. trigonaria from Bahia have an undulating carinal ridge, 3 – 7 papular pores per square mm and lack pedicellariae. Cunha & Tavares (in review) concluded that N. trigonaria differs from N. ahearnae by having rounded abactinal granules and only the proximal superomarginal plates visible abactinally (vs. pointed abactinal granules and all the superomarginal plates visible abactinally), and noted that, in general, specimens with an undulating carinal ridge have a higher density of pores, possibly because the undulation reduces the distance between the pores. Molecular data of specimens of N. trigonaria and N. ahearnae would help to answer questions about this taxon complex, for example, if N. ahearnae is a valid species and in this case, when these species diverged.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF82FFFBFF54440A7CBFFBDA.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Ophidiaster ophidianus (Lamarck, 1816) (type by monotypy).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF82FFFBFF54440A7CBFFBDA.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus Ophidiaster is composed of 24 species, and six of them are recorded in the Atlantic Ocean: O. alexandri Verrill, 1915, O. bayeri Clark, 1948, O. bullisi (Downey, 1970), O. guildingi Gray, 1840, O. ophidianus (Lamarck, 1816) and O. reyssi Sibuet, 1977. Only O. alexandri and O. guildingi are recorded in Brazil until this date.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF82FFE6FF5443957E3FFBAC.taxon	description	Figures 26 – 27	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF82FFE6FF5443957E3FFBAC.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (3 specs, 7 – 22 mm R). BRAZIL. Bahia, Abrolhos, Minerva Seamount (17 ° 03 ’ S, 37 ° 37 ’ W) — 69 m, 18. viii. 2012, 3 specs, R 7 – 22 mm (MZUSP 2102). Comparative material. BRAZIL. Espírito Santo: Trindade Island (20 ° 29 ’ – 20 ° 32 ’ S; 29 ° 19 ’ – 29 ° 20 ’ W) — Enseada dos Portugueses, 12 m, 15. vii. 2013, 1 spec, R 9 mm (MZUSP 1563); Enseada do Príncipe, Pedra da Garoupa, 10.4 m, 16. vii. 2013, 1 spec, R 25 mm (MZUSP 1576); Enseada das Orelhas, 8.9 m, 8. i. 2015, 1 spec, R 62 mm (MZUSP 1570).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF82FFE6FF5443957E3FFBAC.taxon	description	Description of largest specimens (R 17 – 22 mm). Disc small; average R / r 4.9 (Fig. 26 A – B). Five long, cylindrical, constricted at base. Madreporite subcircular (Fig. 26 D), evident in interradial area. Anus conspicuous in center of disc, surrounded by 10 spines. Terminal plate round, smaller than arm diameter, with about 8 tubercles (Fig. 26 G). Abactinal plates (Fig. 26 C) cruciform, imbricated, covered by flattened granules, and arranged in seven regular rows. Papular areas forming regular rows parallel to abactinal plates; with 4 – 8 pores proximally (Fig. 26 C) and 3 – 5 pores distally. Marginal plates similar to abactinal plates. One row of imbricate actinal plates; actinal papular areas with 4 – 6 papular pores (Fig. 26 H). Each inferomarginal plate connected to two adjacent actinal plates via a rod-like plate. One row of adambulacral spines, two subequal spines per plate (Fig. 26 F). One subambulacral spine per plate; spine flattened, tapering, twice as large as adambulacral spine. Space between adambulacral and subambulacral spines (Fig. 26 E). Oral spines (Fig. 26 E) similar to adambulacral spines. Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc with perforated plates. Pedicellariae absent. Ontogenetic variation (R 7 mm). Average R / r 2.3. The specimen has short and wide arms, not constricted at the base (Fig. 27 A – B), and a relatively large terminal plate forming the tip of the arm (Fig. 27 G). The number of spines, tubercles, and papular areas are reduced in some areas, the anus is surrounded by 7 – 9 spines, terminal plates have 4 – 5 tubercles, papular areas have 1 – 3 pores in the abactinal region, and 1 – 2 pores in the actinal region. Also, abactinal plates are round and not imbricated (Fig. 27 C), and adambulacral spines equal (Fig. 27 E). Coloration. No record of coloration of in vivo specimens from this region, but specimens from Trindade Island are dark brown (Cunha et al. 2020). Juveniles from the Caribbean are purple (Hendler et al. 1995). Specimens in ethanol are pale brown.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF82FFE6FF5443957E3FFBAC.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Eastern Atlantic: Cape Verde, Gulf of Guinea, Ascension Island. Western Atlantic: U. S. A. (FL, GA, TX), Bermuda, The Bahamas, Mexico, Cuba, Belize, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia (Pawson 1978; Clark & Downey 1992; Entrambasaguas 2003; Sandino et al. 2017; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019; Mah 2020 b). BRAZIL: Bahia, Trindade Island, Rio Grande do Sul (Tommasi 1970; Carrera-Rodriguez & Tommasi 1977; Tommasi & Aron 1988; Cunha et al. 2020). Depth. 0 – 445 m (Mah 2020 b). Biological notes. In Bahia, this species is found in rubble and coral reef ecosystems, calcareous rocks and gravel (Tommasi & Aron 1988). Although O. guildingi is not widely distributed, it is generally abundant locally. Ophidiaster guildingi is a slow-moving species (Hendler et al. 1995) and can reproduce asexually and regenerate a new individual from a single arm (Haeckel 1878). The specimens from Bahia did not show signs of asexual reproduction.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF82FFE6FF5443957E3FFBAC.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. The type specimen of O. guildingi has not been found (Clark & Downey 1992). Type locality. St Thomas, Virgin Islands (Clark & Downey 1992).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF82FFE6FF5443957E3FFBAC.taxon	discussion	Remarks. This species is generally small, growing only up to R 62 mm; according to H. L. Clark (1933), O. guildingi reaches maturity at R 45 mm. As noted above, the number of pores per papular area varies with ontogeny. Specimens from Trindade Island with R 9 mm have 1 – 2 pores, with R 25 mm have 3 – 6 pores and with R 62 mm have 5 – 12 pores. At R 33 mm, specimens have 5 – 12 pores (Downey 1973), and the maximum number of pores is 15 (Clark & Downey 1992). Clark & Downey (1992) also noted the rare occurrence of pedicellariae in large specimens, but Cunha et al. (2020) did not find pedicellariae in the specimens from Trindade Island. Ophidiaster guildingi differs from O. alexandri, O. bullisi and O. reyssi by having only one row of actinal plates (vs. 3 – 5 rows in O. alexandri; two rows in O. bullisi; and four rows in O. reyssi); from O. bayeri by having only one row of subambulacral spines (vs. two rows); from O. ophidianus by having up to 15 pores per papular area (vs. more than 20 pores) and flat and tapering spines subambulacral spines (vs. cylindrical and blunt) (Clark 1921; Clark & Downey 1992; Madeira et al. 2019).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9FFFE6FF5443E67DA7F9D2.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Oreaster reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (type by original designation by Döderlein, 1916).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9FFFE6FF5443E67DA7F9D2.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus Oreaster is composed of only two species: O. clavatus Müller & Troschel, 1842 (East Atlantic) and O. reticulatus (West Atlantic). The molecular data published by Janies et al. (2019) indicated that there was a new species of Oreaster from the Gulf of Mexico. However, Collins et al. (2020) concluded that the specimens analyzed by Janies et al. (2019) are more closely related to Valvaster striatus (Lamarck, 1816), a species considered endemic to the Indo-Pacific.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9FFFE2FF54416D7E32FE91.taxon	description	Figures 28 – 29	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9FFFE2FF54416D7E32FE91.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined (2 specs, 49 – 98 mm R). BRAZIL, Bahia (12 ° 52 ’ – 13 ° 02 ’ S; 38 ° 40 ’ – 38 ° 37 ’ W) — Itaparica Island, Ponta de Areia beach, 4. vi. 1994, 1 spm R 49 mm (UFBA 468). Todos os Santos bay, 16 m, 22. v. 1997, 1 spm, R 98 mm (UFBA 367). Comparative material. BRAZIL. Espírito Santo: Trindade Island, Enseada dos Portugueses (20 ° 29 ’ 52.3 ” S; 29 ° 19 ’ 15.6 ” W), 12.5 m, 23. x. 2014, 1 spec, R 100 mm (MZUSP 1611); 12.6 m, 6. vii. 2015, 1 spec, R 105 mm (MZUSP 1612). São Paulo (23 º 47 ’ – 23 º 57 ’ S; 45 º 23 ’ – 46 º 20 ’ W) — São Sebastião, 1 spec, R 125 mm (MZUSP 1956); Santos, 76 m, 1. vi. 1999, 2 specs, R 130 – 140 mm (MZUSP 1617).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9FFFE2FF54416D7E32FE91.taxon	description	Description (R 98 mm). Body stellate, disc inflated; R / r 1.7 (Fig. 28 A – B). Five short arms, distally tapering (Fig. 28 E – F). Abactinal plates reticulate, connected by elongated and narrow secondary plates. Abactinal region with granules, large papular pores, and robust tubercles and spines with blunt tips. Madreporite small, subcircular, covered with shallow gyres. Superomarginal plates large, covered by granules and with a tubercle or a short, robust spine. Inferomarginal plates large, confined to actinal surface, covered by granules and with a tubercle; distal plates with a short and robust spine. Actinal surface with tumid plates covered by granules. Interradial actinal area large. Adambulacral plate with 5 – 6 unequal spines, spines on extremities smallest. One robust subambulacral spine. Oral plates with five pairs of robust, prismatic spines; inner pair shorter and wider than others. Tube feet in two rows, sucking disc with many perforated plates. Bivalve pedicellariae on both surfaces, more numerous in actinal region, never in alveoli. Ontogenetic variation (R 49 mm). R / r 1.9 (Fig. 28 C – D). Some of the abactinal primary plates form an elevated circle from which five rays radiate towards tip of arm (Fig. 28 C); this pattern was not observed in the larger specimen. Also, the small specimen has five unequal adambulacral spines (Fig. 29 H), being the proximal spine the smallest, and the third and fourth spines the largest, and the inner pair of spines in the oral plate is longer than the adjacent spines (Fig. 29 I). Finally, the small specimen has fewer abactinal spines than the largest specimen, which are mostly confined to arms and interradial region (vs. throughout abactinal region), and fewer pedicellariae in the actinal region (Fig. 29 E). Coloration. Specimens in vivo have beige to orange abactinal surface, beige to yellowish actinal region and sometimes red spots in the margins. Specimens in ethanol are beige to light brown.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9FFFE2FF54416D7E32FE91.taxon	distribution	Distribution. U. S. A. (NC, FL), Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, The The Bahamas, Caribbean Sea, Cuba, Belize, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam, Canary Islands, Cape Verde (Verrill 1915; Caso, 1944; Ummels 1963; Walenkamp 1976; Clark & Downey 1992; Hendler et al. 1995; Guzman & Guevara 2002; Entrambasaguas 2008; Hernandéz et al. 2013; Alvarado et al. 2017; Sandino et al. 2017; Borrero-Peìrez et al. 2019; Mah 2020 a). BRAZIL: Amapá, Maranhão, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, Trindade Island, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul (Rathbun 1879; Verrill 1915; Tommasi 1958, 1970; Brito 1960, 1962, 1968; Lima-Verde 1969; Walenkamp 1976; Fernandes et al. 2002; Magalhães et al. 2005; Ventura et al. 2007; Magris & Deìstro 2010; Xavier 2010; Miranda et al. 2012; Gondim et al. 2014; Souto & Martins 2017; Agostini & Ozorio 2018; Torres & Torres 2019; Cunha et al. 2020). Depth. 0 – 76 m (Clark & Downey 1992; Cunha et al. 2020). Biological notes. In Bahia, this species is found in protected, shallow waters, often in sandy bottoms with coarse sediment (Manso et al. 2008). Oreaster reticulatus used to be abundant in shallow waters (intertidal up to 5 m), but locals have reported population declines over the last 40 years; currently, this species is rare and found only in deeper regions. In addition to habitat degradation, especially because of urbanization, this population is affected by human exploitation, as O. reticulatus is commonly sold as souvenirs in tourist shops throughout the country. In November 2008, for example, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IB- AMA) brought in 15 – 20 specimens (Fig. 28 E – F) of O. reticulatus that they apprehended, to be identified (unpubl. data). Pinheiro et al. (2018) reported the intense harvesting of O. reticulatus in Espírito Santo, Bahia’s southern neighboring state, with commercial purposes. According to them, specimens are sold by fishermen for US $ 0.50. In Salvador, Bahia, illegally collected specimens have been sold at beaches for US $ 21 (ca. R $ 120,00) (data from a fisherman interviewed in October 2020; Fig. 29 A). This species is also used in religious rituals (Alves & Dias 2010; Souto & Martins 2017), in ornamental aquaria (Martins et al. 2012) and as medicine to treat asthma, cold and tiredness (Alves & Rosa 2007; Alves et al. 2009; Alves & Dias 2010; Alves & Alves 2011; Lima 2018). However, the impact of these activities on O. reticulatus populations has not been studied and it is assumed to be low if compared to the commercial harvesting of this species. Franco et al. (2015) reported that extracts of O. reticulatus contain compounds capable of inhibiting the activity of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus at low concentrations. Oreaster reticulatus is classified as “ Vulnerable ” (baseline data indicates that the population size has been reduced by at least 30 % as a result of habitat degradation, exploitation and / or introduction of invasive species) by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA, 2018). This assessment was performed before the devastating oil spill recorded in the Brazilian coast in 2019, which may have a strong impact in the coastal populations of O. reticulatus (Magris & Giarrizzo 2020). According to Gurjão & Lotufo (2018), the harvesting of this species in Brazil is currently prohibited. Using models, Patrizzi & Dobrovolski (2018) predicted that the habitable range of O. reticulatus may have a 7 – 16 - fold expansion under higher atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. The effect of this expansion on the local communities is unknown, but it is likely to cause negative trophic impact (Kordas et al. 2011).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9FFFE2FF54416D7E32FE91.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. NHMD 76271 [previously as ZMUC AST 104] (Tom Schiøtte, per. comm). Type locality. East Caribbean (as Spanish West Indies) (Tom Schiøtte, per. comm).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9FFFE2FF54416D7E32FE91.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The specimens examined here as comparative material (R 100 – 140 mm) have 5 – 7 adambulacral spines (vs. five in the specimen from Bahia, R 49 mm) and the largest specimens (R 130 – 140 mm) have two subambulacral spines (vs. one in specimens R 49 – 105 mm). Gondim et al. (2014) found 5 – 6 adambulacral spines in specimens ranging from R 51 – 136 mm, but they did not report if the largest specimens had six spines or if there was no trend in this variation. Also, in specimens with R 100 – 140 mm, the abactinal and actinal spines are equally developed; however, in the specimen described here, the actinal spines are less developed. Finally, the large specimens do not display the pattern (i. e. elevated circle with rays) observed in the abactinal surface of the small specimen. H. L. Clark (1933) noticed that small specimens have a deep olive to green abactinal region and as the size increases, the color changes from yellowish – to deep red. Downey (1973) described intraspecific variation (i. e. variation in shape, in degrees of inflation of the disc, and in coloration) in specimens ranging between R 15 – 91 mm, however, she did not specify ontogenetic changes. We observed that the presence and abundance of abactinal pedicellariae vary between specimens, but this variation does not seem to be related to growth. Also, Downey (1973) noted that O. reticulatus may have 4 – 7 arms, but both specimens examined here and the comparative material have five arms. Oreaster reticulatus differs from O. clavatus by having an inflated disc (vs. slightly flattened disc), abactinal plates with tubercles or spines (vs. abactinal plates with granules), and actinal pedicellariae not in alveoli (vs. actinal pedicellariae in alveoli) (Clark & Downey 1992). Order Forcipulatida Perrier, 1884	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9BFFE2FF5446CE7EADFD32.taxon	type_taxon	Type species. Coscinasterias muricata Verrill, 1867 (type by monotypy).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9BFFE2FF5446CE7EADFD32.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Coscinasterias includes four species: C. acutispina (Stimpson, 1842) and C. muricata Verrill, 1870 from the Pacific Ocean, C. calamaria (Gray, 1840) from South Africa and Australia, and C. tenuispina (Lamarck, 1816) from the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9BFFE3FF54440D7F00FCA8.taxon	distribution	Distribution. France, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Azores, Madeira, Turkey, Greece, Malta, Canary Islands, Bermuda, Cape Hatteras, Cape Verde, North Carolina, Cuba, Gulf of Mexico, Guyana, Ascension Island, Saint Helena (Koukouras et al. 2007; Madeira et al. 2019; GBIF, 2020). BRAZIL: Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina (Rathbun 1879; Verrill 1915; Brito 1962; Tommasi 1970; Clark & & Downey 1992; Ventura et al. 2007; Gondim et al. 2014; Fonseca 2015). Depth. 0 – 165 m (Clark & Downey, 1992). Biological notes. Coscinasterias tenuispina inhabits rocks, biogenic detritus, sandy and silty sand bottoms, and meadows of seagrass (Koukouras et al. 2007), and typically feeds on mussels and other epifaunal organisms (Ventura et al. 2007). Adults and juveniles are believed to inhabit different depths (Tortonese 1965). This species can reproduce asexually by fission (Alves et al. 2002), and Fonseca (2015) has shown that the contribution of sexual reproduction to maintain four populations in Rio de Janeiro is very low compared to that of asexual reproduction, contrary to the findings by Pazotto (2010) in the same populations. This species is classified as “ Vulnerable ” (baseline data indicates that the population size has been reduced by at least 30 %) by the Ministry of the Environment (MMA 2018).	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9BFFE3FF54440D7F00FCA8.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. The type specimen, most likely deposited at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, is currently lost (Marc Eléaume and Christopher Mah, pers. comm. on 30 Sep 20). Type locality. European Ocean (Lamarck, 1816; Clark & Downey, 1992), possibly the Mediterranean Sea.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
FF6987EEFF9BFFE3FF54440D7F00FCA8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Although C. tenuispina has been recorded for Bahia, few specimens have been collected and as Gondim et al. (2014), we could not examine any. We did not have access to the specimens at the EQMN and the single-armed specimen recorded by Rathbun (1879), deposited at the YPM (YPM IZ 1582. EC), is apparently missing. The last reference that we have for this specimen is that it was examined by Addison Emery Verrill, together with three other specimens from the North Atlantic (YPM IZ 1453. EC and YPM IZ 1584. EC); the label from YPM 1582. EC was found in a jar with a single specimen tagged with the label YPM IZ 1453. EC (Daniel Drew and Eric Lazo-Wasem, pers. comm. on 15 Jul 20). Downey (1973) considered the specimen (R 30 mm) she examined from Florida as a juvenile based on morphological differences from larger specimens, for example, the presence of only a few dorsolateral plates (vs. one or two regular rows of dorsolateral plates, armed like the carinal plates), absence of interactinal plates (vs. one row of interactinal plates), small pedicellariae rarely found within the furrow (vs. pedicellariae frequently large and abun- dant on all surfaces). Madeira et al. (2019) also noted differences between juveniles and adults when they analyzed specimens (R 3 – 110 mm) from the Azores, however, they considered juvenile’s specimens with R <7 mm. The differences they noted were that the juveniles have only one dorsal (carinate) series (vs. three regular longitudinal series of primary plates), adambulacral plates generally bearing one long and flattened spine with no attached pedicellaria (vs. a second spine occasionally present, but restricted to the proximal region of the arms). Coscinasterias tenuispina differs from C. acutispina by having the adambulacral spines frequently arranged in one row on the inner half of the arm (vs. two rows), from C. muricata by having 6 – 9 arms (vs. 9 – 11), and from C. calamaria by having crossed pedicellariae with a well-developed terminal tooth and straight pedicellaria with short stubs at the tips (vs. crossed pedicellariae with little or no development of an enlarged tooth, and straight pedicellariae with little or no modification at the tips). Clark & Downey (1992) pointed out that the taxonomic status of the C. tenuispina specimens from Brazil is uncertain because of morphological differences in relation to specimens from other regions. For example, they noticed that the Brazilian (Cabo Frio, RJ) specimen that they examined has poorly developed straight pedicellariae, never large, and crossed pedicellariae with little or no sign of an enlarged tooth. Clark & Downey (1992) then suggested that C. calamaria could be a subspecies of C. tenuispina based on the morphological similarities observed among Brazilian and South African specimens. However, the Brazilian specimen that they examined had R 33 mm. Using molecular data, Waters & Roy (2003) confirmed the separation between Brazilian populations (n = 3) and North Atlantic and Mediterranean populations, but they also found that C. calamaria is more closely related to C. acutispina than to C. tenuispina. An integrated taxonomic revision of juvenile and adult specimens of C. tenuispina along the Brazilian coast is needed to properly characterize its populations.	en	Cunha, Rosana, Martins, Luciana, Menegola, Carla, Souto, Camilla (2021): Taxonomy of the sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Bahia State, including ontogenetic variation and an illustrated key to the Brazilian species. Zootaxa 4955 (1): 1-78, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4955.1.1
