identifier	taxonID	type	CVterm	format	language	title	description	additionalInformationURL	UsageTerms	rights	Owner	contributor	creator	bibliographicCitation
3724530AFFDCA870FF1AA41C5864FD7B.text	3724530AFFDCA870FF1AA41C5864FD7B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Asterostegus sabineae Okanishi & Fujita 2014	<div><p>Asterostegus sabineae Okanishi &amp; Fujita, 2014</p><p>Asterostegus sp. — Okanishi &amp; Fujita, 2013: 568.</p><p>Asterostegus sabineae Okanishi &amp; Fujita, 2014: 4 – 9, fig. 2 – 5.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4885, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 16.68´S, 43° 54.18´E to 33° 16.61´S, 43° 54.9301´E, 272 – 380 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1360) (DNA code= IE.2016.1360) . — MD208: stn CP4901, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 8.4´S, 44° 0.1199´E to 33° 9.36´S, 44° 1.2499´E, 647 – 672 m, 6/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2013.17142) (DNA code= IE.2013.17142) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Asterostegus spinigerum (Mortensen, 1933b): MD32 /DC132, La Reunion, 20° 51.1´S, 55° 37.05´E, 510 m, 2/9/1982, MNHN IE.2013.8004 (DNA code= AB758786). MIRIKY/ CP3182, entre <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=48.28367&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-12.588667" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 48.28367/lat -12.588667)">Nosy-bé</a> et Banc du Leven, 12° 35.32´S, 48° 17.0202´E to 12° 35.69´S, 48° 16.1598´E, 331 – 364 m, 26/6/2009, MNHN IE.2013.5295 (DNA code=IE.2013.5295).</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL NOT EXAMINED. Asterostegus maini McKnight, 2003b: Shenhalyongshi/ SC009, South China Sea, near Xisha Islands archipelago, 16° 47.79´N, 113° 15.04´E, 602 m, 31/3/2020, identified by Nethupul et al. 2022b, CAS IDSSE-EEB-SW0076 (DNA code= OK044303). Asterostegus sabineae Okanishi &amp; Fujita, 2014:ATIMO VATAE/CP3616, Sud Cap Sainte Marie, 26° 17´S, 45° 10´E, 409 – 473 m, 14/5/2010, holotype, MNHN IE.2018.8012 (DNA code= AB758768); identified by Okanishi &amp; Fujita (2013) as A. maini, MNHN</p><p>IE.2013.8006 (DNA code= AB758767). off west coast of Madagascar, 500 m, 2009, identified by Okanishi &amp; Fujita (2013) as A. tuberculatus Mortensen, 1933b, NHRM 123461 (DNA code= AB758769).</p><p>Distribution. W Indian Ocean (409 – 473 m), Walters Shoal (272 – 672 m).</p><p>Remarks. The COI from these specimens cluster with sequences of O. sabineae holotype deposited on NCBI (AB758768). They are also very similar to NCBI sequences (also from the SW Indian Ocean) named as A. maini (AB758767) and A. tuberculatus (AB758769) from a study by Okanishi &amp; Fujita (2013). Asterostegus maini is a West Pacific species, and A. tuberculatus was described from NE South Africa (Mortensen 1933b). All three NCBI COI sequences should be regarded as coming from O. sabineae, although, without more data from type localities, is unclear whether this species can be distinguished from A. tuberculatus from South African.</p><p>Sequences of another species, Astroceras spinigerum Mortensen, 1933b also cluster with Asterostegus, including one of our samples from northern Madagascar (MNHN IE.2013.5295) and another NCBI sequence (AB758786) from off Reunion Island deposited by Okanishi &amp; Fujita (2013). All other Astroceras samples form a monophyletic clade sister to Astromorpha, Trichaster and Euryale . On the basis of this evidence, we transfer A. spinigerum to Asterostegus .</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFDCA870FF1AA41C5864FD7B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFD0A877FF1AA1B15A2EFC7F.text	3724530AFFD0A877FF1AA1B15A2EFC7F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiocreas corali O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophiocreas corali sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 24B96A8A-8FCE-4892-9818-190068B361E1</p><p>Fig. 3a – d, f – h</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Coral seamount, 41° 22.333´S, 42° 54.066´E to 41° 23´S, 42° 54.1´E, 730 m.</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4 – 12, Coral seamount, 41° 22.333´S, 42° 54.066´E to 41° 23´S, 42° 54.1´E, 730 m, 16/11/2011, holotype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.25); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.24) (DNA code= JC066-421) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiocreas caudatus Lyman, 1879: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=140.545&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=34.883335" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 140.545/lat 34.883335)">Toudai Motare</a>, Off Katsuura, Japan, 34° 53´N, 140° 32.7´E, 330 m, 4/10/2008 , NSMT E6374 (DNA code= NSMT E6374). Ophiocreas corali AND 003/xx, 36° 8.47´S, 22° 22.73´E, 958 m, 1/5/2014 , SAMC MB-A73811 (DNA code=A83811). TN228/J2- 382-015, A1 <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=146.8865&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.330765" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 146.8865/lat -44.330765)">Seamount</a>, Huon, 44° 19.846´S, 146° 53.19´E, 1335 m, 16/12/2008 , MV F168741 (DNA code= TOH _ 0907). TN228/J2-393-012, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=145.9984&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-45.139183" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 145.9984/lat -45.139183)">Tasman Fracture Zone</a>, 45° 8.351´S, 145° 59.904´E, 1483 m, 12/1/2009 , MV F168737 (DNA code= TOH _0911). Ophiocreas sibogae Koehler, 1904: SS03/2008/101, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=133.9564&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-35.054" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 133.9564/lat -35.054)">Great Australian Bight</a>, 35° 3.24´S, 133° 57.384´E, 480 m, 9/3/2008 , MV F159746 (DNA code=F159746). TAN0308/126, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=170.193&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.390167" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 170.193/lat -33.390167)">South Norfolk Ridge</a>, 33° 23.41´S, 170° 11.58´E, 469 – 526 m, 31/5/2003 , MV F99763 (DNA code= AB758818). TAN0308/133, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=170.19305&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.39" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 170.19305/lat -33.39)">South Norfolk Ridge</a>, 33° 23.74´S, 170° 13.03´E to 33° 23.4´S, 170° 11.583´E, 465 – 490 m, 1/6/2003 , MV F99767 (DNA code= F99767). Ophiocreas sp. MoV.7378 SS02/2007/77, Cascade 1200m 5, 43° 55.406´S, 150° 27.889´E to 43° 55.778´S, 150° 28.352´E, 590 – 660 m, 10/4/2007, MV F146228 (DNA code=F146228) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL NOT EXAMINED. Ophiocreas glutinosum Döderlein, 1911: Todai motare, off Katsuura, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, 34° 53´N, 140° 32.07´E, 500 m, 5/3/2009, identified by Okanishi &amp; Fujita (2014), NSMT E6710 (DNA code= AB758815).</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc covered in thick skin that obscures the tiny (0.2 mm) embedded granules, no lateral oral papillae. Five arms, to 13x the disc diameter, VAPs are small oblong to sausage-shaped plates that are distal to the curved distal corners of the LAP pair, 2 arm spines after the 9 th arm segment, inner larger (to 3 mm in length) with a few apical thorns, basal podia protected by a sheath of skin with a circular opening at the apex.</p><p>Description. Holotype 17 mm dd, disc petaloid, indented interradially, covered in thick papillate skin that obscure the underlying granules. Granules dense interradially but rarely touch each other, 0.2 mm wide, 16 – 25 per mm square, spherical to conical with minute thorns; radial shields can be seen as long bar-like raised plates under the skin, widely separate, slightly curved radially, 4.5x longer than wide, range from near the arm sides to ~2/5 dd; ventral disc also covered in thick skin that continues onto the oral/adoral shields and oral plates. Bursal slits vertical in a sunken section of the interradial disc margin. Jaw almost conical and smooth, teeth triangular, tapering to a blunt point, 1.3x as long as wide, no lateral oral papillae.</p><p>Arms 220 mm + long, also covered in thick folded papillate skin with similar embedded granules to the disc, arms becoming wider and more robust after 50 mm from the base, basal dorsal surface forms a groove of skin that protects the underlying gonads, radial ribs of the arms formed from the laterodorsal flange of the vertebrae; LAPs are ventral in position, bar-like, meeting centrally, with a swollen outer section that supports the arm spine articulations; there are one to several small circular superficial plates (possibly DAPs) between the LAP and the base of the vertebral flange; the VAPs are small oblong to sausage-shaped plates that are distal to the curved distal corners of the LAP pair, about 1/3 the length of the space between LAP pairs (rest is connective tissue); basal podia protected by a sheath of skin with a circular opening at the apex that the podia emerges from; first arm segment without spines, one arm spine for next 8 segments, thereafter 2 spines, the inner (up to 3 mm long) longer than the outer one (up to 2 mm long), with a clavate dark tip, smooth from the covering of skin; with sharp thorns facing proximally near the spine apex when skin is removed.</p><p>Paratype (NHMUK 2025.24) 12 mm dd, is broadly similar to the holotype, except the 2nd arm spine typically starts at the 25th segment. Parts of this animal were treated with bleach revealing the underlying plates. The adoral shields are massive and form part of the distal rim of the ventral disc, contiguous for 2/3 their length interradially, separated distally by the small triangular oral shield. The vertebrae have hourglass (streptospondylous) articulation surfaces (Fig. 3f).</p><p>Distribution. South Africa (958 m), S Australia (1335 – 1483 m), Coral Seamount (730 m).</p><p>Remarks. These specimens were originally named as O. sibogae Koehler, 1904 . However, specimens of that species (at least as recorded from Australia and New Zealand) tend to have smaller VAPs, often a small oval plate that does not touch the LAPs, and longer, more thorny arm spines (see Mortensen, 1924, fig. 1 – 2). Furthermore, O. sibogae has been typically collected at shallower depths, the type locality being the Kei Islands, Indonesia, from 204 m. DNA evidence indicates that O. corali is distinct from Australian/ New Zealand clades of O. ‘sibogae’ that also occur on shallower seafloor than O. corali, and that the distribution of O. corali extends from South Africa to Southern Australia.</p><p>Etymology. Named after Coral Seamount, the type locality.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFD0A877FF1AA1B15A2EFC7F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFD7A876FF1AA0B55C70FEE3.text	3724530AFFD7A876FF1AA0B55C70FEE3.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiocreas carnosum Lyman 1879	<div><p>Ophiocreas carnosum Lyman, 1879</p><p>Ophiocreas carnosus Lyman, 1879: 63, pl. 16(435 – 438). — Lyman, 1882: 281, pl. 31(1 – 4). — Seid et al., 2025: 162, fig. 62d – f.</p><p>Ophiocreas carnosum . — Clark, H.L., 1915: 177.</p><p>Ophiocreas japonicus . — McKnight, 2000: 30 – 32, fig. 11, pl. 10. — Okanishi &amp; Fujita, 2013: 568 [Non Ophiocreas japonicus Koehler R, 1907].</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-37, Coral seamount, 41° 21.7673´S, 42° 54.9067´E to 41° 22.4´S, 42° 54.6´E, 740 m, 20/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.23) (DNA code= JC066-695) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiocreas carnosum Lyman, 1879: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-73.70282&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-36.42056" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -73.70282/lat -36.42056)">Región de Ñuble</a>, Treguaco, 36° 25.2336´S, 73° 42.16896´W, 624 m, 18/10/2010 , UCN 4250 (DNA code= UCN4250). AT37-13/AD4923, Costa Rica <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-84.62383&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=8.975917" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -84.62383/lat 8.975917)">Parrita Seep</a>, 8° 58.555´N, 84° 37.4298´W, 1097 m, 6/6/2017 , identified by Seid et al. (2025) as Ophiocreas carnosus, SIO E 7072 (DNA code= SIO E7072). KANADEEP2 / PL744 _PBT-Q-1, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=168.2508&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-23.086166" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 168.2508/lat -23.086166)">Munida</a>, 23° 5.17´S, 168° 15.048´E, 1093 m, 14/9/2019 , MNHN IE.2019.2949 (DNA code= IE.2019.2949). Marion Toothfish Survey / T35, between <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=38.066666&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-46.743332" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 38.066666/lat -46.743332)">Prince Edward</a> and Marion Island, 46° 44.6´S, 38° 4´E to 46° 43.6´S, 37° 45.4´E, 298 m, 24/4/2001, SAMC MB-A83258 (DNA code= A83258). NA064/005, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-91.09021&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=1.2137523" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -91.09021/lat 1.2137523)">Galapagos Is</a> marine park, 1° 12.825136´N, 91° 5.412714´W, 1154 m, 27/6/2015 (DNA code=NA064-005-01-01-A) . NA064/034, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-91.68771&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=1.6760666" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -91.68771/lat 1.6760666)">Galapagos Is</a> marine park, 1° 40.564´N, 91° 41.263´W, 974 m, 28/6/2015 (DNA code=NA064-034-01-01-A) . TN228/J2-385-005, Z27 <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=147.12126&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.24525" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 147.12126/lat -44.24525)">Seamount</a>, Huon, 44° 14.715´S, 147° 7.276´E, 1060 m, 21/12/2008 , MV F168738 (DNA code= TOH _0908) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL NOT EXAMINED. Ophiocreas carnosum Lyman, 1879: NZOI / Z9592, 48° 33.06´S, 164° 57.03´E, 940 – 1180 m, 30/11/1998, identified by McKnight (2000) as Ophiocreas japonicus, NIWA 48407 . TRIP2494 /14, 47° 32.8´S, 177° 49.7´E to 47° 33.1´S, 177° 49.7´E, 867 – 915 m, 2/9/2007, identified by Okanishi &amp; Fujita (2013) as Ophiocreas japonicus, NIWA 49793 (DNA code= AB758816) .</p><p>Distribution. New Caledonia (1093 m), E Pacific (974 – 1886 m), S America (250 – 940 m), Marion Is (298 m), S Australia (810 – 1060 m), New Zealand (867 – 915 m), Coral Seamount (740 m).</p><p>Remarks. The large (19 mm dd) JC066 specimen is covered in thick fleshy skin without any hint of embedded granules or ossicles. DNA evidence indicates that this species occurs around the Southern Ocean, including on Marion Island and Southern Chile which are south of the Subtropical Front and as North as New Caledonia in the SW Pacific and Costa Rica in the East Pacific (Seid et al. 2025).</p><p>Okanishi &amp; Fujita (2013) submitted a COI sequence to NCBI (AB758816) as O. japonicus collected off New Zealand, which appears to be a chimeric sequence, with the first section aligning with our O. carnosum sequences and the second half of unknown origin. McKnight (2000) also recorded a specimen of O. japonicus from New Zealand. This specimen was described as having thick wrinkled skin and is also likely to be O. carnosum .</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFD7A876FF1AA0B55C70FEE3	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFD6A876FF1AA2095AA9F850.text	3724530AFFD6A876FF1AA2095AA9F850.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiocreas lissum (H. L. Clark 1939)	<div><p>Ophiocreas lissum (H.L. Clark, 1939)</p><p>Fig. 3e</p><p>Asteroschema lissum Clark, H.L., 1939: 37 – 41, fig. 1 – 3.</p><p>Non Asteroschema cf lissum . — Nethupul et al. 2022b: 198 – 201, fig. 16 – 17.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 8-3, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.658´S, 57° 16.371´E to 32° 42.64´S, 57° 17.58´E, 707 m, 9/12/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.27) (DNA code= JC066-3605) . — JC066: stn 8-22, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.225´S, 57° 18.02´E to 32° 42.59´S, 57° 17.01´E, 1000 m, 13/12/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.26) (DNA code= JC066-3747) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiocreas lissum (H.L. Clark, 1939): <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=47.28717&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-11.37915" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 47.28717/lat -11.37915)">Chargos</a> /18, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=47.28717&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-11.37915" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 47.28717/lat -11.37915)">Great Chargos Bank</a>, Eagle Island, 6° 11.27326´S, 71° 19.10177´E, 488 m, 20/10/2022. Chargos/4, Peros Banhos, Ile de Pierre, 5° 18.633´S, 71° 43.447´E, 486 – 499 m, 16/10/2022 (DNA code=Chargos.031). PAMELA-MOZ01/DW1, Glorieuses, 11° 22.756´S, 47° 16.4097´E to 11° 22.749´S, 47° 17.2302´E, 753 – 824 m, 28/9/2014 , MNHN IE.2013.8420 (DNA code=IE.2013.8420).</p><p>Distribution. Maldives and Chargos (486 – 797 m), Îles Glorieuses (753 – 824 m), Atlantis Seamount (707 – 1000 m).</p><p>Remarks. The two JC066 specimens measure 14 mm dd (NHMUK 2025.27) and 10 mm dd (NHMUK 2025.26) with arms at least 13x dd, and purple/brown/pink in colouration. The radial shields are covered in skin but can be seen as white radial markings that extend from the margin to centre of disc. There are tiny ossicles buried in the skin of the dorsal disc and arms, around 25 – 42 granules per square mm. The lateral arm plates do not extend across the dorsal midline of the first 9 or so segments, leaving a sunken groove of skin that lies on top of the gonads that extend along the arm. But these segments are not transversely expanded. There are 1 – 2 dental papillae at the tip of each jaw and sometimes a low domed lateral oral papilla to the side of the apex. The first 2 segments have no arm spines, the second 10 – 12 have one, and after that two. The inner arm spines become much longer and clavate by the 21 – 24th arm segment. Two Chargos specimens are similar except the larger one (Chargos 18) has 2 arm spines by segment two. The 17 mm dd specimen from Îles Glorieuses (IE.2013.8420) has 6 equal arms and arm spines that start on the 2nd segment. The epidermal granules are difficult to see.</p><p>We have identified these specimens as Asteroschema lissum on the basis of the small granules embedded in the thick skin covering the disc and arms, as well as the type location (Maldives, 797 m). But there are some differences from the unique 7.5 mm holotype, which has 2 arm spines on segment 2, 3-5 ill-defined lateral oral papillae on the sides of the jaw, and radial shields that don’t extend to the centre of the disc. But this specimen is small and dry, and it is unclear if these differences are significant, given the morphological variation shown by our material .</p><p>Our phylogeny shows this species embedded within an Ophiocreas clade that includes O. sibogae Koehler, 1904, O. carnosum Lyman, 1879, and O. caudatus Lyman, 1879 . We temporarily transfer this species to Ophiocreas pending a Asteroschema-Ophiocreas revision. The type of Ophiocreas ( O. oedipus Lyman, 1879) is in a separate clade to O. lissum . Furthermore, our phylogeny shows that the type species of Asteroschema, A. oligactes (Pallas, 1788), is a long-branched taxa that is sister to all other species and is likely to be monotypic (at least at the subgenus level). The traditional character that distinguished Asteroschema and Ophiocreas, disc granules present in the former and absent in the latter, does not hold. Several species of Ophiocreas can have some small granules in the skin (e.g., O. lissum, and O. corali) and other species ( O. gilolense Döderlein, 1927 and O. spinulosum (Lyman, 1883)) have small tubercles on the dorsal arm surface.</p><p>The specimens identified as A. cf. lissum by Nethupul et al. (2022b) cluster separately from our material on our phylogeny and likely represent a separate species. Three other species of Asteroschema recorded from the Indian Ocean, A. flosulum Alcock, 1893, A. cf. arenosa (see Baker et al. 2018), and A. cf. igloo Baker, 1980 (see O’Hara 2024), differ in having prominent globular granules on their dorsal surface.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFD6A876FF1AA2095AA9F850	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFD4A874FF1AA3BC5A40FB60.text	3724530AFFD4A874FF1AA3BC5A40FB60.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Astrothorax papillatus (H. L. Clark 1923)	<div><p>Astrothorax papillatus (H.L. Clark, 1923)</p><p>Astrothamnus papillatus Clark, H.L., 1923: 316 – 318, pl. 20(5 – 6).</p><p>Astrothorax papillata . — Mortensen, 1933b: 279 – 280, fig. 15. — Clark, A.M., 1951: 199. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 132.</p><p>Astrothorax waitei . — Baker, 1980: 30 – 32 (in part).</p><p>Astrothorax papillatus . — Olbers et al. 2019: 67 – 68, fig. 44 – 45.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4882, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 16.67´S, 43° 50.4899´E to 33° 16.03´S, 43° 49.84´E, 371 – 399 m, 2/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4160) . — MD208: stn CP4902, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 7.95´S, 44° 1.4001´E to 33° 8.44´S, 44° 1.7901´E, 700 – 711 m, 7/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1061) (DNA code= IE.2016.1061) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Astrothorax misakiensis Döderlein, 1911: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=127.66127&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=26.929884" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 127.66127/lat 26.929884)">NW of Iejima Osl.</a>, Okinawa Pref. Japan, 26° 55.793´N, 127° 39.676´E, 650 m, 22/7/2007 , NSMT E6888 (DNA code= NSMT E6888). Astrothorax papillatus (H.L. Clark,1923):CCH009/D00749, 36°33.32´S, 20° 36.79´E, 172 m, 2/5/2016 , SAMC MB- A88427 (DNA code=A88427). PAMELA-MOZ01/CP2, Betsiboka, 15° 21.727´S, 45° 57.6521´E to 15° 21.515´S, 45° 55.9884´E, 719 – 1019 m, 8/10/2014, MNHN IE.2013.8419 (DNA code=IE.2013.8419). Astrothorax tesselata Mortensen, 1933c: KANADEEP2/ PL743 _PBT-I-6, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=167.73225&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-23.613583" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 167.73225/lat -23.613583)">Stylaster</a>, 23° 36.815´S, 167° 43.935´E, 548 m, 12/9/2019 , MNHN IE.2019.3020 (DNA code=IE.2019.3020). Astrothorax waitei (Benham, 1909): IN2018_ V06 /132, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=146.98&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.1942" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 146.98/lat -44.1942)">Andy’s Hill</a>, 44° 11.652´S, 146° 58.8´E to 44° 11.748´S, 146° 58.56´E, 727 – 877 m, 10/12/2018, MV F272400 (DNA code=F272400). TAN1206/95, Site SM3 aa <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=177.8398&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-36.4512" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 177.8398/lat -36.4512)">Clark Seamount</a>, Southern Kermadec Ridge, 36° 27.072´S, 177° 50.388´E to 177° 50.382´N, 36° 26.928´W, 840 – 872 m, 24/4/2012, MV F188858 (DNA code=F188858) .</p><p>Distribution. Madagascar (719 – 1019 m), S Africa (43 – 650 m), Walters Shoal (371 – 711 m).</p><p>Remarks. The three western Indian Ocean DNA samples (from South Africa, Madagascar and Walters Shoal) cluster separately from Southern Australian and New Zealand A. waitei samples and are closer to A. misakiensis from Japan. Consequently, we reject the synonymy of Baker (1980) and resurrect A. papillatus as a separate allopatric species to A. waitei . The largest of the Walters Shoal animals (IE.2016.1061) was 11 mm dd, an orange-red colour when alive, and was found wrapped around a cup coral.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFD4A874FF1AA3BC5A40FB60	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFD4A86BFF1AA78F5BF1FE0B.text	3724530AFFD4A86BFF1AA78F5BF1FE0B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Astrotoma manilense IN 2018	<div><p>Astrotoma cf. manilense</p><p>Fig. 4a – h</p><p>Astrotoma drachi . — McKnight, 2000: 68, fig. 33, pl. 32. — Okanishi &amp; Fujita, 2013: 569. — Jossart et al., 2019: 622 – 631 [Non Astrotoma drachi Guille A, 1979].</p><p>Astrotoma manilense . — O’Hara &amp; Harding, 2014: 135 – 136.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-4, Coral seamount, 41° 22.8371´S, 42° 50.6024´E to 41° 22.85´S, 42° 51.99´E, 1186 m, 13/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.28) (DNA code= JC066-951) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Astrotoma agassizii .I US AMLR-09/103-77, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-53.81983&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-62.56333" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -53.81983/lat -62.56333)">South</a> Orkney Islands, 62° 35.23´S, 53° 46.37´W to 62° 33.8´S, 53° 49.19´W, 745 – 711 m, 5/3/2009 , MV F168816 (DNA codes= TOH _1054, F168816). Astrotoma cf. manilense IN2018 _ V06 /070, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=146.15&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.1579" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 146.15/lat -44.1579)">Flat Matsuyker</a>, 44° 9.438´S, 146° 10.26´E to 44° 9.474´S, 146° 9´E, 1218 – 1223 m, 3/12/2018 , MV F315387 (DNA code= IN2018 _ V06 _70_2). Marion Toothfish Survey / T35, between <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=37.756668&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-46.726665" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 37.756668/lat -46.726665)">Prince Edward</a> and Marion Island, 46° 44.6´S, 38° 4´E to 46° 43.6´S, 37° 45.4´E, 298 m, 24/4/2001 , SAMC MB-A83260 (DNA code= A83260) .</p><p>Distribution. S America (201 – 309 m), Kerguelen (20 – 838 m), S Australia (391 – 1223 m), New Zealand (1036 – 1402 m), Antarctic (1559 – 1680 m), Coral Seamount (1186 m).</p><p>Remarks. COI for the 15 mm dd NHMUK 2025.28 sample clusters within the Astrotoma agassizii clade II of Jossart et al. (2019), within which they also included specimens from New Zealand identified by McKnight (2000) as A. drachi . O’Hara &amp; Harding (2014) had previously placed New Zealand and Southern Australian specimens into A. manilense Döderlein, 1927 a name that has priority over A. drachi . However, without DNA from specimens around their type localities off the Philippines, it is unclear whether either of these poorly known tropical species are really the same as Jossart et al. ’s clade II that occurs across southern subpolar and temperate regions (but not Antarctica). In the interim, we use the unofficial name Astrotoma cf. manilense for this clade, which is genetically distinct from all other Astrotoma agassizii clades (Jossart et al., 2019).</p><p>We isolated some internal arm ossicles for SEM. The vertebrae are streptospondylous (Fig. 4d). The LAPs (Fig. 4e – f) are ventrolateral in position, meeting mid-radially, enlarged abradially to support arm spines. There are 2 – 3 simple hollow arm spine articulations and 1 – 2 cylindrical pedicels that support the most ventral hooklets. A small oval VAP occurs distal to the LAP pair, not contiguous with succeeding LAPs. A row of quadrangular hooklet base plates (Fig. 4g) extend across the lateral and dorsal arm surfaces, with 5 – 8 ovoid-shaped hooklet pedicels on each plate. These are more regularly placed than in A. agassizii (see Turner et al. 2021, fig. 17f). Arm spines 2 – 3, flat, rising to 1 – 2 apices, often thorny at tip (Fig. 4h).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFD4A86BFF1AA78F5BF1FE0B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFCAA86AFF1AA3F05A01FB4E.text	3724530AFFCAA86AFF1AA3F05A01FB4E.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Gorgonocephalus chilensis (Philippi 1858)	<div><p>Gorgonocephalus chilensis (Philippi, 1858)</p><p>Fig. 5d – n</p><p>Astrophyton chilense Philippi, 1858: 268 .</p><p>Gorgonocephalus chilensis . — Lyman, 1882: 265. — Döderlein, 1927: 30 – 31. — Mortensen, 1936: 240 – 241. — Mortensen, 1952: 11 – 12. — Bernasconi &amp; d’Agostino, 1977: 68 – 70, pl. 1(1 – 2). — Manso, 2010: 3, fig. 1a – c. — Olbers et al. 2019: 68 – 70, fig. 46 – 47.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-2, Coral seamount, 41° 20.708´S, 42° 55.292´E to 41° 20.99´S, 42° 55.12´E, 1300 m, 12/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.30) (DNA code= JC066-114); 1 (NHMUK 2025.29) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Gorgonocephalus chilensis (Philippi, 1858): PROTEKER 2/ CH 06, Baie de l’Oiseau, 48° 40.759´S, 69° 7.42´E to 48° 40.792´S, 69° 7.361´E, 93 – 105 m, 27/11/2013, MNHN IE.2013.16276 (DNA code=TOH90-IE.2013.16276). Talud Continental 1/33, Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, 37° 58.698´S, 55° 11.899´W, 308 m, 17/8/2012, CNP-INV (DNA code=L33L). TAN0803/53, Seamount 5 Eltanin, Macquarie Ridge. New Zealand EEZ, 51° 2.82´S, 162° 1.13´E to 51° 3.15´S, 162° 1.48´E, 398 – 489 m, 5/4/2008, NIWA 40048 (DNA code= NIWA 40048).</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL NOT EXAMINED. Gorgonocephalus chilensis (Philippi, 1858): AV17-18/ H116, Tristan da Cunha EEZ, Yakhont Sea Mount WEST, 39° 18.9´S, 8° 1.92´W, 327 m, 4/1/2018, BAS (DNA code= BAS008). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=114.868164&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=13.978" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 114.868164/lat 13.978)">Shenhalyongshi</a> /SY013, Zhongsha Island complex seamount, 13° 58.68´N, 114° 52.09´E, 1550 m, 25/9/2020, identified by Nethupul et al. 2022a as Gorgonocephalus chilensis novaezelandiae, CAS IDSSE-EEB-SW0007 (DNA code= MZ198761) .</p><p>Distribution. S America (6 – 1398 m), Kerguelen (60 – 943 m), Antarctic (40 – 1615 m), Tristan da Cunha (310 – 335 m), Coral Seamount (1300 m).</p><p>Remarks. The Coral Seamount specimens (40 and 55 mm dd) have tall tubercles on the disc, especially along the raised section over the radial shields, the dorsal arm surface is granular but with few tubercles, there are 3, rarely 4, arm spines, and girdle hooklets start after the 2nd arm branching. The DNA sequence of NHMUK 2025.30 is very similar to other G. chilensis specimens across the Southern Ocean, from South America to the Balleny seamounts. But it does not occur around the continent of Antarctica. The New Zealand-South China Sea specimens form a separate COI clade distinct from those of the Southern Ocean and are currently recognised as G. chilensis novaezelandiae Mortensen, 1924 (see Nethupul et al. 2022a).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFCAA86AFF1AA3F05A01FB4E	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFCAA868FF1AA6665D33FCA3.text	3724530AFFCAA868FF1AA6665D33FCA3.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Gorgonocephalus pectinatus Mortensen 1933	<div><p>Gorgonocephalus pectinatus Mortensen, 1933</p><p>Fig. 5a – c, o – t</p><p>Gorgonocephalus pectinatus Mortensen, 1933b: 281 – 285, fig. 16 – 17, pl. 18(1 – 2).</p><p>Gorgonocephalus pectinatus . — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 133, fig. 86, 88.</p><p>Gorgonocephalus pustulatum . — Baker, 1980: 54 – 56, fig. 18b, 20, 30 (in part). — Olbers et al. 2019: 70 – 72, fig. 48 – 49 [Non Gorgonocephalus pustulatum (Clark H L, 1916)].</p><p>? Gorgonocephalus pustulatum . — Calero &amp; Ramil, 2023: 67 – 68, figs 10 – 11.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 8-22, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.225´S, 57° 18.02´E to 32° 42.59´S, 57° 17.01´E, 1000 m, 13/12/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.31) (DNA code= JC066-3749) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Gorgonocephalus dolichodactylus Döderlein, 1911:TAN0308/90, Lord Howe plateau, 34° 12.17´S, 163° 21.36´E to 34° 12.617´S, 163° 16.783´E, 1090 – 1117 m, 26/5/2003 , MV F99711 (DNA code= F99711). TAN1206/3, Site SL 1a, slope, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-37.166&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=176.6627" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -37.166/lat 176.6627)">Bay of Plenty</a>, 37° 10.158´S, 176° 39.522´E to 176° 39.762´N, 37° 9.96´W, 681 – 710 m, 15/4/2012 , MV F188859 (DNA code=02W2H). Gorgonocephalus pectinatus Mortensen, 1933b:AFR246/ A28872, 35° 8´S, 23° 9´E, 451 m, 11/9/2008 , SAMC MB-A88409 (DNA code=A88409). Gorgonocephalus pustulatum (H.L. Clark, 1916): IN2018 _ V06 /178, St Helens Seamount, 41° 13.584´S, 148° 45.72´E to 41° 13.536´S, 148° 45.72´E, 727 – 755 m, 16/12/2018, MV F271944 (DNA code=F271944). TN228/ RD1, 2008, MV F242193 (DNA code=F242193). Gorgonocephalus sundanus Döderlein, 1927: SS05/2007/107, Northwestern Australia, Leveque L 27 transect, 14° 49.026´S, 121° 27.552´E to 14° 48.533´S, 121° 29.567´E, 400.5- 378.2 m, 27/6/2007 , MV F162682 (DNA code=F162682) .</p><p>Distribution. South Africa (78 – 580 m),?E Atlantic (902 – 908 m), Atlantis Seamount (1000 m).</p><p>Remarks. Gorgonocephalus forms 2 clades on our phylogeny, the subantarctic-boreal G. chilensis-eucnemis and the temperate-tropical G. pustulatum-dolichodactylus-sundanus clades. Both Gorgonocephalus clades occur on the SW Indian Ocean Ridge. Two specimens found on the southern Coral seamount fall into the G. chilensis clade and another from the more northern Atlantis Seamount into the G. pustulatum clade. They differ in the placement of girdle hooklets (which continue across the dorsal arm by the first arm branching in G. pustulatum and start at the 2nd fork in G. chilensis) and the greater tuberculation along the arms in chilensis (Baker 1980) .</p><p>Within the G. pustulatum clade, the Atlantis specimen (38 mm dd) clusters with a specimen from South Africa (A88409), and both specimens are polyphyletic with respect to Australian-New Zealand G. pustulatum specimens (being separated by specimens of G. dolichodactylus, which lack a secondary tooth on girdle hooklets). Consequently, like for Astrothorax, we reject the trans-Indian Ocean synonymy of Baker (1980), recognise the SW Indian Ocean population as a separate allopatric species and resurrect the name G. pectinatus for this species. Calero &amp; Ramil (2023) report a specimen of G. pustulatum from off Guinea-Bissau in the tropical eastern Atlantic. No DNA sequences are available; and it is unclear whether this represents a new lineage or a range extension of G. pectinatus .</p><p>The LAPs (Fig. 5g, p) differ slightly between G. chilensis and G. pectinatus, the muscle opening on the arm spine articulations is more slit-like in G. chilensis (similar to the Arctic G. eucnemis, see Martynov 2010a, pl. 1(2)) and the rim is less elevated than in G. pectinatus . More data from other species is required to see if this is diagnostic for the two clades discussed above. The hooklet base plates on the lateral side of the arm (Fig. 5i, r) are largely similar, both species having the hemispherical or rhomboid-shaped hooklet articulation surface and asymmetrical tubercle foramen that allow the hooklets to function as pedicellariae (Turner et al. 2021).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFCAA868FF1AA6665D33FCA3	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFC8A86CFF1AA0955C44F9D3.text	3724530AFFC8A86CFF1AA0955C44F9D3.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiopyrgus hainesae O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophiopyrgus hainesae sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 89E7073A-F21A-4E68-84DC-0E3935D8F19F</p><p>Fig. 6–7</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 48.82´S, 44° 5.9699´E to 33° 51.8´S, 44° 4.72´E, 1539–1615 m.</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4913, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 48.82´S, 44° 5.9699´E to 33° 51.8´S, 44° 4.72´E, 1539–1615 m, 11/5/2017, holotype: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4001); paratypes: 4 (MNHN IE.2016.1341) (DNA code= IE.2023.1341); paratypes: 184 (MNHN IE.2016.1376) .</p><p>OTHER STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4914, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=44.053665&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.912167" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 44.053665/lat -33.912167)">Plaine Sud</a>, 33° 51.1´S, 44° 4.8999´E to 33° 54.73´S, 44° 3.2199´E, 1598–1714 m, 11/5/2017: 194 (MNHN IE.2016.1371) (DNA code= IE.2016.1371) . — MD208: stn CP4917, Walters Shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.45&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-32.919666" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.45/lat -32.919666)">Plaine</a> Nord-Ouest, 32° 54.9´S, 43° 23.8499´E to 32° 55.18´S, 43° 27.0001´E, 1375– 1296 m, 13/5/2017: 49 (MNHN IE.2013.17148) (DNA code= IE.2013.17148) . — MD208: stn CP4918, Walters Shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.450832&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-32.964333" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.450832/lat -32.964333)">Plaine</a> Nord-Ouest, 32° 57.8´S, 43° 24.7´E to 32° 57.86´S, 43° 27.0499´E, 1356– 1295 m, 14/5/2017: 7 (MNHN IE.2013.17156) . — MD208: stn CP4920, Walters Shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.516&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-32.8665" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.516/lat -32.8665)">Plaine</a> Nord-Ouest, 32° 52.01´S, 43° 26.6899´E to 32° 51.99´S, 43° 30.9599´E, 1293– 1210 m, 14/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2013.17162) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Amphiophiura bullata (Lyman, 1878): ME 79- 1/554, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-35.21316&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-26.581167" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -35.21316/lat -26.581167)">Brasilian Basin</a>, 26° 34.7´S, 35° 12.7896´W to 26° 34.87´S, 35° 12.7896´W, 4485 m, 22/7/2009 , DZMB-HH 13473 (DNA code= DZMB13473). Ophiopyrgoides trispinosus (Koehler, 1904):IN2017 _ V03 /128, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=154.6438&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-23.659" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 154.6438/lat -23.659)">Coral Sea</a> CMR, 23°37.872´S, 154° 39.582´E to 23° 39.54´S, 154° 38.628´E, 1770– 1761 m, 13/6/2017 , MV F239743 (DNA code= MVF239743). IN2021 _ V04 /5, Christmas Island SE, 10° 34.22´S, 105° 41.376´E to 10° 33.791´S, 105° 41.6358´E, 643–997 m, 6/7/2021, identified by O’Hara (2024b), MV F305516 (DNA code=F305516). Ophiopyrgus bakeri (McKnight, 2003a): BIOPAPUA/CP3653, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=150.38333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-2.2166667" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 150.38333/lat -2.2166667)">Ouest de la Nouvelle Hanovre</a>, 2° 13´S, 150° 23´E, 680–700 m, 28/8/2010 , MNHN IE.2023.4071 (DNA code=BP42). Ophiopyrgus cf. liberata BIOPAPUA /CP3672, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=151.83333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-4.0666666" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 151.83333/lat -4.0666666)">Nord de Rabaul</a>, 4° 4´S, 151° 50´E, 702–724 m, 24/9/2010 , MNHN IE.2007.2873 (DNA code=BP44). Ophiopyrgus latro (Koehler, 1904): <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=132.00333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-5.4733334" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 132.00333/lat -5.4733334)">Siboga</a> /251, Kapulauan Kai (Kei Islands), 5° 28.4´S, 132° 0.2´E, 204 m, 8/12/1899, holotype , ZMA E2403. BIOPAPUA/ DW3732, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=150.48334&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-8.266666" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 150.48334/lat -8.266666)">Au</a> large des îles et récifs Lancasay, 8° 16´S, 150° 29´E, 340–358 m, 9/10/2010 , MNHN IE.2023.4072 (DNA code=BP49). Ophiopyrgus liberata (Koehler, 1904): BIOPAPUA/CP3653, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=150.38333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-2.2166667" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 150.38333/lat -2.2166667)">Ouest de la Nouvelle Hanovre</a>, 2° 13´S, 150° 23´E, 680–700 m, 28/8/2010 , MNHN IE.2007.2820 (DNA code=BP43). Ophiopyrgus prisca</p><p>(Koehler, 1904): SALOMON 2/CP2231, NW Choiseul, 6° 25´S, 156° 21´E, 1083–1100 m, 29/10/2004, MNHN (DNA code=CP2231-1). Ophiopyrgus solida (Lyman, 1878): Challenger/192, Ki (Kei) Is, 5° 42´S, 132° 25´E, 239 m, 26/9/1874, holotype, BMNH 1882.12.23.44. EBISCO/CP2628, S Lansdowne, 21° 6´S, 160° 48.0002´E, 672–678 m, 21/10/2005, MNHN IE.2007.5420 (DNA code=IE.2007.5420). IN2018_V06/094, Baseline_14, 44° 6.588´S, 146° 12.6´E to 44° 6.144´S, 146° 11.82´E, 965– 941 m, 6/12/2018, MV F271952 (DNA code=F271952). Ophiopyrgus spatulifera (Koehler, 1922a): BIOPAPUA/CP3686, Monts sous-marins, sud de Manus Is., 3° 16´S, 147° 18´E, 964–1025 m, 28/9/2010, MNHN IE.2007.2817 (DNA code=BP48).</p><p>Diagnosis. Dome-shaped disc with a tubercle-like centrodorsal plate, 5 primary plates, 2 dorsal and 1 ventral scale in each interradius, and D-shaped radial shields; all plates delimited by V-shaped furrows. Spiniform arm comb and genital papillae present. Oral shields 2x as long as wide with a narrower proximal lobe and squarish distal margin. Oral frame (including oral plates and adoral shields) sunken. Short tapering arms (to 4x dd) with contiguous DAPs, VAPs separate after first few proximal plates, 2 arm spines.</p><p>Description. Holotype 12 mm dd, disc dome-shaped, covered in a few large disc scales including a centrodorsal with a round pedicel and a dome-like tubercle, five hexagonal longer than wide primary plates with a peaked central point and a low ridge that extends from this peak to the centrodorsal, two plates in each interradius, a pentagonal proximal one and a tumid hexagonal distal one that forms the lateral edge to the disc, D-shaped radial shields with a straight edge radially, 2x as long as wide, all plates contiguous with a v-shaped furrow along their suture lines; ventral disc area covered by a single large square to rhomboid scale; arm comb comprises a series of separate spiniform papillae that articulate with a series of bosses on the abradial genital plate; these papillae continue along the bursal slit ventrally to half the disc radius, becoming square or slightly pointed, a few opposing papillae arising from a LAP occur under the dorsalmost end of the main arm comb series.</p><p>Oral shields teat-shaped with a squarish distal section, with straight to concave sides, and a narrower convex proximal lobe, slightly longer than wide; adoral shields slender, 4x as long as wide, meeting interradially and extending distally to 4/5 of the proximal lobe of the oral shield; exterior section of the oral plates parallelogramshaped, 4x as long as wide, contiguous interradially and extending to the end of the jaw slit; 8 conical oral papillae along each jaw side, interleaving with papillae on the opposing jaw; 2–3 abradial and 3–4 adradial tentacle scales around the 2nd oral tentacle pore, the distal adradial one enlarged.</p><p>Arms to 4x dd in length, rounded-triangular in cross section with a much narrower dorsal than ventral surface; first DAPs wider than long, elliptical, succeeding plates become smaller, kite-shaped to droplet-shaped, and separated by the 7th DAP; LAPs 2x as high as long, with a rounded dorsal angle, straight lateral sides and bent underneath to form the ventral surface; 1st VAP appears triangular in shape, with a bluntly rounded proximal edge and a straight to slightly convex distal edge, next plates 2x as wide as long, sometimes a small bare patch occurs between basal VAPs, becoming smaller and more separated by the 5th VAP, VAPs notably striated from the 2nd plate; 2 arm spines, 1/2 the length of a segment, situated lower down on the ventral section of the LAP, with the upper one occurring at the widest point of the arm and the lowest near the tentacle pore, the upper one developing a hook-like apex distally; 4–5 abradial and 2–3 adradial tentacle scales around basal arm pores, the distalmost adradial one much longer than wide, extending to midway of the abradial series, but which is not plate like nor confluent with the VAP (cf Ophiuroglypha), by the 6th VAP there are 3 abradial and 1 rim-like adradial scale, distally only one abradial scale persists. Colour (live) pinkish-grey disc and light pink arms (Fig. 6f), (preserved) pale.</p><p>Paratype variations. The smallest specimen (6 mm dd) has a disc that is almost as high as wide, with tumid primaries and proximal interradial plates, and a comparatively large centrodorsal tubercle, the other specimens (to 11 mm dd) can be brown or white, and generally have a less prominent ridge between the centrodorsal and primary plates.</p><p>Paratype ossicles (MNHN IE.2016.1376). Vertebrae zygospondylous (Fig. 7a–e) with prominent muscle fossae and podia basins, a long narrow zygosphene, and a prominent ventral groove; LAPs with dense stereom and simple arm spine-articulations with small circular pores for muscle attachment and nerve (Fig. 7f–g); dental plate 2.5 times as long as wide, with straight sides and 3 articulations for the teeth (Fig. 7k); centrodorsal tubercle with prominent perforations surrounded by small thorns (Fig. 7l); 1st VAP more complex that it appears from the external surface, with an extended rounded margin proximally and a squarish margin distally that sit underneath neighbouring plates (Fig. 7o); abradial genital plate nodulated along the dorsal edge, the nodules functioning as the base of the arm comb papillae (Fig. 7r); tentacle scales and arm spines with minute longitudinal grooves towards their apex (Fig. 7s–t).</p><p>Distribution. Walters Shoal (1210–1714 m).</p><p>Remarks. We have provisionally placed this new species in the genus Ophiopyrgus due to characters shared with the type species O. wyvillethomsoni Lyman, 1878, including the raised centrodorsal plate, the few disc plates composed of the centrodorsal, primaries, radial shields and a series of 3 interradial plates extending from the primaries around the lateral side of the disc to the teat-shaped oral shield, the sunken oral frame, large basal tentacle pores with numerous scales, and the presence of a spiniform arm comb. However, O. wyvillethomsoni also has paedomorphic arms that are short, slender and rapidly tapering, with reduced VAPs and DAPs, and only a single arm spine, which makes comparison problematic. Unfortunately, we lack DNA sequences from O. wyvillethomsoni or the similar O. alcocki Koehler, 1897 (without a centrodorsal tubercle) and O. turritus Litvinova, 1984 (with a very tall centrodorsal tubercle), and future research could separate these species into a separate lineage.</p><p>In our phylogeny, O. hainesae is in the same clade as several other species of ‘ Amphiophiura ’, which are polyphyletic with respect to the type species of Amphiophiura, A. bullata . These include the species A. bakeri McKnight, 2003, A. liberata (Koehler, 1904), A. latro (Koehler, 1904), A. prisca (Koehler, 1904), A. solida (Lyman, 1878) and A. spatulifera Koehler, 1922a . All of these species share many of the characters of the genus Ophiopyrgus as outlined above and we transfer them all to his new genus.</p><p>Ophiopyrgus bakeri has a domed disc, with the same number of disc plates, but differs from our new species in lacking a centrodorsal tubercle and typically has 3 arm spines near the arm base. Ophiopyrgus liberata also has no centrodorsal tubercle but has very deep furrows between the dorsal disc plates, 4 arm spines, and oral shields that are 2x as long as wide with a square shaped distal section. Re-examination of the holotype of O. latro shows it has spinous or very granular disc scales that are deeply separated from neighbouring scales except for a ridge that connects the primary plates to each other and to the proximal interradial plates. This is different from the type description, which does not mention any spines or granules on the plates. In fact, Koehler (1930: 230) explicitly notes that the disc plates on O. latro have no trace of granules. Furthermore, there are only 2, basally 3 arm spines (not 4 as mentioned in the type description). However, the O. latro holotype is very similar to type description and figures of Amphiophiura pertusa Koehler, 1930, which consequently we consider a synonym. Ophiopyrgus prisca has a relatively flat disc, with slightly raised circular areas in the centre of the centrodorsal and primary plates. It also differs from O. hainesae in appearing to lack an arm comb (although there can be some small spines on the basal LAP that may function as a comb), having 2–3 transverse series of ventral disc plates, and three long arm spines, the uppermost being almost as long as a segment. Ophiopyrgus solida is similar to O. bakeri except it has two rhomboidal ventral interradial plates that are parallel to each other, 2x as long as wide, and separated by a deep groove. Koehler (1930) distinguished his new species ‘Stegophiura’ turgida from O. solida on the basis of its shorter radial comb papillae, larger decalcified areas between basal VAPs and the lack of furrows between the disc plates. However, having compared the holotype of O. solida with the type photos of S. turgida we find no substantial difference in these characters, and also consider them to be synonyms. All the Challenger (Lyman 1882), Siboga (Koehler 1904) and Mortensen (Koehler 1930) material of O. solida and O. turgida were collected near each other, around the Kei Islands Indonesia in 196– 348 m. Finally, O. spatulifera differs in having only two large interradial plates (only the proximal one is visible dorsally, the other is lateral), although it can have 1–2 smaller scales at the distolateral corners of the oral shield. The dorsal comb papillae are paddle-shaped, expanded near their apex.</p><p>There is also an undescribed species from Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (e.g., sample BP44) which is very similar to O. hainesae in having a tall tubercle on the centrodorsal, and similar patterns of disc plates, arm plates and arm spines. They differ from O. hainesae in having much deeper furrows around the disc plates (so that the plates appear like low tables), no connecting ridges, a raised central section on the lateral and ventral interradial disc plates, and concave margins to the distal section of the oral shields.</p><p>Other species referred to Ophiopyrgus do not seem related. Ophiopyrgus biocalae Vadon, 1991 has opposing rim-like tentacle scales similar to the type species of Ophiomastus, O. tegulitus Lyman, 1878 . Ophiopyrgus saccharatus Studer, 1882, O. depressus Koehler, 1904, O. trispinosus Koehler, 1904 were placed by H.L. Clark in a separate genus Ophiopyroides, characterised by the very large oral shield that takes up most of the ventral disc surface. Our DNA evidence supports this decision, as our samples of O. trispinosus are divergent from both the hainesae and bullata clades.</p><p>Etymology. Named after Maggie Haines, who sequenced many of the ophiuroids for this project.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFC8A86CFF1AA0955C44F9D3	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFCCA863FF1AA5195C75F9AF.text	3724530AFFCCA863FF1AA5195C75F9AF.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Amphiophiura litvinovae O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Amphiophiura litvinovae sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: DCC22461-646D-4B44-8A10-2EF066BBC8B4</p><p>Fig. 13a–h</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 56.85´S, 44° 0.07´E to 33° 58.8´S, 43° 55.3999´E, 1865–2058 m.</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4915, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 56.85´S, 44° 0.07´E to 33° 58.8´S, 43° 55.3999´E, 1865–2058 m, 12/5/2017: holotype (MNHN IE.2016.1369) (DNA code= IE.2016.1369) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Amphiophiura cf. improba EBISCO /CP2652, SE Fairway, 21° 24´S, 162° 37.0001´E, 1019–1147 m, 23/10/2005, MNHN IE.2007.5248 (DNA code= IE.2007.5248).</p><p>Amphiophiura improba (Koehler, 1904): Siboga /226, Banda Sea, between Lucipara and Mai Islands, Mid channel between the <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=127.60833&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-5.445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 127.60833/lat -5.445)">Lacipara</a> and <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=127.60833&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-5.445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 127.60833/lat -5.445)">Schildpad Islands</a>, 5° 26.7´S, 127° 36.5´E, 1595 m, 11/11/1899, 2 syntypes, ZMA E2400 . KANACONO/CP4751, N <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=167.95767&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-23.357" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 167.95767/lat -23.357)">Mont Antigonia</a>, 23° 19.3´S, 167° 56.77´E to 23° 21.42´S, 167° 57.4603´E, 946–998 m, 25/8/2016, MNHN IE . 2013.11563 (DNA code= IE.2013.11563). KANADEEP2/CP5101, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=168.51833&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-23.4" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 168.51833/lat -23.4)">Stylaster</a>, 23° 24´S, 168° 31.1´E, 1190–1194 m, 30/9/2019, MNHN IE .2019.3328 (DNA code=IE.2019.3328).</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc with large (1/6x dd) contiguous radial shields and smaller disc scales, primary plates not obvious. Spiniform to conical arm comb papillae. Ventral interradial area covered by a large oral shield and some smaller marginal scales. Arm carinate in cross-section. 3 sharply pointed arm spines on the ventral half of the LAP, to 2/5 segment in length.</p><p>Description. Holotype 6.5 mm dd, disc pentagonal, fully contiguous radials, 1/6x dd, disc plates small, no evident primaries, an enlarged marginal plate with small ones on either side, several transverse rows of disc plates laterally, arm comb conical to spiniform, genital papillae smaller with a sharp point, continuing along bursal slit 1/2 way to the oral shield; oral shield large, taking up the majority of the ventral disc surface, egg-shaped, tapered proximally into an acute point, not incised or trefoil, adoral shields small and narrow, 3.5x as long as wide, only extending along the proximal end of the oral shields, meet interradially; exposed section of oral plate larger than adorals, roughly rhomboid, contiguous for 1/2 their length interradially; bluntly pointed teeth, a little longer than wide, inner oral papillae similar but smaller, distal papillae becoming low and wide, all occurring on the oral plate; 2nd oral tentacle pore elliptical, adjacent to 1st VAP, with 2 adradial and 3 abradial rounded scales not enclosing pore.</p><p>Arms triangular in cross section, narrower dorsally than ventrally, first and 2nd DAP 2.5x as wide as long, succeeding plates longer, basal DAPs are rhomboid, then succeeding plates becoming ovoid, becoming separated by the 11th DAP; first VAP roughly triangular, tapering proximally, with a concave distal border and rounded proximodistal corners, a little wider than long; 2nd VAP rhomboid, also with a central concave margin to distal border, contiguous, subsequent plates more hourglass-shaped, with incised lateral sides, acute angle proximally and convex distal margin, separate from the 7th VAP; 3 arm spines on lower half of arms, 2/5 segment in length, terminate in a blunt to sharp point. Basal tentacle pores large elongate and open, with 4 semicircular to spatulate abradial scales and 2–3 smaller ones adradially (on VAP), by 6th VAP 2–3 abradial and one rim-like adradial scales, reduced to a single abradial scale by the 11th VAP. Colour (preserved) brown.</p><p>Ossicles. LAPs (Fig. 13d–e) quadrangular in lateral view, with a bent lower section that meets the opposite plate on the ventral midline, external stereom regularly perforated; arm spine articulations along the distal edge, slightly raised circular holes; VAPs (Fig. 13f) with low transverse ridges that are separated by rows of perforations; vertebrae (Fig. 13h) zygospondylous, with elongate zygosphene and reduced zygocondyles on distal face.</p><p>Distribution. Walters Shoal (1865–2058 m).</p><p>Remarks. This sample is morphologically similar to specimens of Amphiophiura improba (Koehler, 1904) from the Indo-Pacific region. Both have similar dorsal disc plating and carinate arms. The holotype of A. improba differs in having only 2 arm spines and smaller disc scales that are not observable from the ventral side. There is another undescribed species ( A. cf. improba) from the SW Pacific with one large unbroken marginal ventral disc plate (rather than a number of smaller plates) and up to 4 arm spines. The DNA sequence of the Walters Shoal specimen is divergent from both these species, justifying the description of a new species.</p><p>Etymology. Named after Nina Litvinova, former ophiuroid specialist at the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanography, Moscow, who worked extensively on deep-sea ophiuroids and Amphiophiura in particular.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFCCA863FF1AA5195C75F9AF	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFC3A862FF1AA5C55C15FD57.text	3724530AFFC3A862FF1AA5C55C15FD57.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Amphiophiura trifolium Hertz 1927	<div><p>Amphiophiura trifolium Hertz, 1927</p><p>Amphiophiura trifolium Hertz, 1927b: 78–79, fig. 3, pl. 6(14–15). — Clark, H.L., 1939: 108–109. — Clark, A.M., 1974: 476. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 187. — Guille &amp; Vadon, 1986: 181. — Olbers et al. 2019: 94–95, fig. 72–73.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4915, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 56.85´S, 44° 0.07´E to 33° 58.8´S, 43° 55.3999´E, 1865–2058 m, 12/5/2017: 4 (MNHN IE.2016.1368) (DNA code= IE.2016.1368) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Amphiophiura ornata (Lyman, 1878): Challenger/216, 2° 56´N, 134° 11´E, 3720 m, 16/2/1875, holotype, NHMUK 1882.12.23.411. IN2017_V03/101, off Moreton Bay, 26° 56.748´S, 153° 56.7´E to 26° 58.272´S, 153° 57.072´E, 2520–2576 m, 9/6/2017, MV F237932 (DNA code=F237932). Amphiophiura radiata (Lyman, 1878): Challenger/205, west of Luzon Is, 16° 42´N, 119° 22´E, 1953 m, 13/11/1874, holotype, NHMUK 1882.12.23.422. TAN0205/21, Ngatorirangi Seamount, 33° 42.082´S, 179° 51.294´E to 33° 42.469´S, 179° 50.751´E, 1627– 1330 m, 14/4/2002, NIWA 67141 (DNA code= NIWA 67141).</p><p>Description. Disc to 8 mm dd, radial shields 1/5 dd, contiguous over much of their length, large marginal interradial plate, other disc covered in numerous small overlapping scales, primaries larger; arm comb comprised of small spatulate papillae becoming a row of close set square genital papillae ventrally, some opposing spines on basal DAPs, DAPs ovoid at first become separate by 4th plate, with long tapering proximal borders and a convex distal border; tiny then 3 tiny arm spines, 10th segment long, middle one becoming hooked distally; oral shields trefoil as wide as long, numerous small ventral disc scales, oral frame a little sunken.</p><p>Distribution. W Indian Ocean (949–2727 m), Walters Shoal (1865–2058 m).</p><p>Remarks. These specimens conform to the description of A. trifolium known from the western Indian Ocean. However, they are also very similar to A. radiata (Lyman, 1878) from the Indo-Pacific and more research is required to test whether these species should remain distinct. Amphiophiura ornata (Lyman, 1878) is also related, differing in having contiguous DAPs. Amphiophiura trifolium, A. radiata and A. ornata form a distinct clade on our phylogeny but more work is required to determine morphological characters that could define this clade as a new genus.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFC3A862FF1AA5C55C15FD57	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFC2A860FF1AA19D5CC8FA63.text	3724530AFFC2A860FF1AA19D5CC8FA63.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Glaciacantha nizari O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Glaciacantha nizari sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 150E1956-19A7-46B3-851C-D87E28FDCFBE</p><p>Fig. 8a–m</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Coral seamount, 41° 21.7673´S, 42° 54.9067´E to 41° 22.4´S, 42° 54.6´E, 740 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-37, Coral seamount, 41° 21.7673´S, 42° 54.9067´E to 41° 22.4´S, 42° 54.6´E, 740 m, 20/11/2011, holotype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.62); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.61); paratype: 1 (MV F321040) (DNA code=02VSH) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Glaciacantha cryptum (McKnight, 2003a): SS02/2007/37, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=146.16498&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.244232" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 146.16498/lat -44.244232)">Mini Matt</a> SSW, 44° 14.654´S, 146° 9.899´E to 44° 14.95´S, 146° 9.656´E, 1120–1380 m, 5/4/2007, MV F144887 (DNA code=F144887). Glaciacantha doederleini (Hertz, 1927): PS77/235-3, 65° 32.83´S, 61° 37.29´W, 300 m, 2/3/2011 , BAS (DNA code= BAS007) . SOMUB/73 -BT-4, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=2.646&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-65.2" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 2.646/lat -65.2)">King Haakon</a> VII Sea, 65° 12´S, 2° 38.76´E, 1210 m, 29/3/2019 , ZMBN 138680 (DNA code= ZMBN 138680). Glaciacantha dubium (Koehler, 1901): CEAMARC/48EV194, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=144.6858&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-66.93943" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 144.6858/lat -66.93943)">Eastern</a> Antarctica, 66° 56.366´S, 144° 41.148´E to 66° 56.322´S, 144° 37.245´E, 325–409 m, 29/12/2007, MNHN IE.2009.6515 (DNA code=2009.6515). Ophiocten banzarei Madsen, 1967: BANZARE/41, off <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=53.266666&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-65.8" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 53.266666/lat -65.8)">Enderby Land</a>, 65° 48´S, 53° 16´E, 193 m, 7 paratypes , SAM K1303. BANZARE/42, off <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=54.383335&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-65.833336" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 54.383335/lat -65.833336)">Enderby Land</a>, 65° 50´S, 54° 23´E, 220 m, 3 paratypes , SAM K1304 .</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc with thickened rounded scales and triangular radial shields (1/6x dd), lacking disc granules or spines, and lacking arm comb papillae and genital granules. Oral shields 2x as wide as long. Arms with contiguous DAPs, separate VAPs with convex distal margins and a small point proximally, and 4 slender pointed arm spines to 1.5x as long as a segment, with the ventralmost one becoming hook-like distally.</p><p>Description. Holotype 6 mm dd, disc pentagonal, covered in round disc plates of various sizes, centrodorsal round and prominent, primary plates not as notable, 6 scales between centrodorsal and interradial margin, scales with fine perforations, covered in a thin epithelium with tiny ossicles in the centre of the disc; radial shields 1/6 dd, rounded triangular, a little longer than wide, divergent proximally, just separated distally, 5 marginal interradial scales between radial shields, centre one a little larger than the others; disc higher than arms but without comb. Ventral disc surface covered by 4–5 transverse rows of small scales, no genital papillae. Oral shield 2x as wide as long, pentagonal, with an obtuse angle proximally, straight distal edge and short lateral edges; adoral shields bar-like, 4x as long as wide, slightly separated interradially; visible portion of the oral plates thicker than adoral shields, meeting proximally separated distally by the 1st VAP. Spiniform teeth, 3x as long as wide, ventral tooth and infradental oral papillae pointed but smaller, 2x as long as wide, inner lateral oral papillae squarish and close together, distal one 2x as wide as long; 2nd oral tentacle pore opening outside of slit, small with 3 adradial and 3 abradial rounded scales that do not fully close the pore.</p><p>Arms 4.5x dd; DAPs rhomboidal, as wide as long, widest distally, with distal margin slightly convex, contiguous, becoming long triangular plates distally, 2.5x as long as wide, just contiguous, but separate near the arm tip; LAPs with a raised flange that bears the arm spines; 1st VAP elliptical to fan-shaped, wider than long, with a convex distal margin and straight lateroproximal sides meeting in a small furrow near the end of the jaw slit; 2nd VAP just wider than long, roughly oval, with a convex distal margin and tapered lateroproximal sides; succeeding plates almost semicircular but produced into a small point proximally, by the middle of the arm the plates are broadly oblong, 2x as wide as long, all VAPs separate, but the separation distance becoming progressively greater down the arm; arm spines slender with a sharp tip, 2 on first segment, 3 on 2nd, to 5 on next segments, upper spine longest to 1.5x segment in length, lower ones almost a segment in length; 4 then 3 spines distally, to 3/4 a segment in length, lower spine becomes hook like with a curved tip and ventrally directed thorns by the middle of the arm; tentacle pores small, one oval scale on the lateral arm plate, 1/4 the length of the VAP, opposed by 1–2 rim-like scales around the basal pores, becoming longer and more slender in the middle of the arm, 2x as long as wide and 1/2 the length of the associated VAP. Colour (preserved) dirty white.</p><p>Paratype variations. MV F321040 is a similar size and shape to the holotype, with more concave interradial disc margins; to 6 teeth in an irregular vertical series. NHMUK 2025.61 is 5 mm dd. Internal ossicles obtained from paratype MV F321040. LAPs (Fig. 8j–k) quadrangular in lateral view, higher than long, with a bent ventral section that meets the opposing plate on the ventral midline; stereom dense except around the arm spine articulations. Arm spine articulations spaced regularly in a row near the distal LAP border, upper 3 have a raised rim in an asymmetrically circular or spiral shape that do not meet dorsally; lower 2 articulations are sunken into the stereom; distal LAPs (Fig. 8l) 2x longer than high. Vertebrae (Fig. 8h) zygospondylous with a small zygosphene and wing like zygocondyles .</p><p>Distribution. Coral seamount (740 m).</p><p>Remarks. O’Hara et al. (2018) resurrected the genus Glaciacantha Fell, 1961 for two Ophiocten -like species G. dubium (Koehler, 1901) and G. doederleini (Hertz, 1927) that occur in the Ophioprygidae, having hook-like lower distal arm spines, thickened disc plates, disc granules or spines, and lacking an arm comb and genital papillae. In addition, our DNA data indicates Ophiocten cryptum McKnight, 2003a is also a member of this clade. Although it lacks disc granules or spines, it does have thickened disc plates, hook-like distal lower arm spines, and no arm comb or genital papillae. Ophiocten banzarei Madsen, 1967 is also very similar, with a similar disc and arms to G. cryptum and no arm comb or genital papillae, although we could not confirm the presence of hooked distal arm spines on the broken paratypes we have examined. Nevertheless, we consider both O. cryptum and O. banzarei are better placed in Glaciacantha . DNA evidence also supports the inclusion of O. cryptum within Glaciacantha (Fig. 2a).</p><p>The new species is most similar to G. cryptum in lacking disc granules and spines. It differs mainly in the shape of the oral shield, which is almost as long as wide, with a produced acute angle proximally. Glaciacantha dubium has a series of small spines that surround the larger disc plates, and up to 10 arm spines. Glaciacantha doederleini has larger conical spines on irregular bases that cover the disc.</p><p>Etymology. Named after Nishath Mohamed Nizar who photographed many of the specimens for this paper.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFC2A860FF1AA19D5CC8FA63	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFC0A867FF1AA6895BF9F847.text	3724530AFFC0A867FF1AA6895BF9F847.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophioplinthus abyssorum (Lyman 1883)	<div><p>Ophioplinthus abyssorum (Lyman, 1883)</p><p>Fig. 9a–k</p><p>Ophioglypha abyssorum Lyman, 1883: 238, pl. 3(25–27).</p><p>Homalophiura abyssorum . — Clark, H.L., 1915: 326. — Clark, H.L., 1939: 112–113. — Clark, H.L., 1941: 92. — Litvinova, 1975: 199.</p><p>Ophiurolepis abyssorum . — Hertz, 1927b: 93–94, pl. 7(13).</p><p>Homalophiura aff abyssorum . — Vadon &amp; Guille, 1984: 596, pl. 2(1–2).</p><p>Homophiura abyssorum . — Paterson, 1985: 138, fig. 52. — Guille &amp; Vadon, 1986: 169.</p><p>Ophioplinthus abyssorum . — Martynov &amp; Litvinova, 2008: 88, fig. 6b.</p><p>? Ophiurolepis mordax . — Guille &amp; Vadon, 1986: 184–185, pl. 1(1–2).</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4913, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=44.078667&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.863335" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 44.078667/lat -33.863335)">Plaine Sud</a>, 33° 48.82´S, 44° 5.9699´E to 33° 51.8´S, 44° 4.72´E, 1539–1615 m, 11/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2016.1378) (DNA code= IE.2016.1378) . — MD208: stn CP4914, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=44.053665&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.912167" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 44.053665/lat -33.912167)">Plaine Sud</a>, 33° 51.1´S, 44° 4.8999´E to 33° 54.73´S, 44° 3.2199´E, 1598–1714 m, 11/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.20234002); 21 (MNHN IE.2016.1373) (DNA code= IE.2016.1373) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophioplinthus accomodata (Koehler, 1922b): IN2018_V06/169, Flat area south of Brians, 44° 14.364´S, 147° 17.58´E to 44° 13.938´S, 147° 18.12´E, 1443– 1422 m, 14/12/2018, MV F272358 (DNA code=F272358). TAN0803/17, Seamount 1 Spastic Spider, Macquarie Ridge. New Zealand EEZ, 48° 32.93´S, 164° 57.75´E to 48° 32.66´S, 164° 58.04´E, 1318–1327 m, 30/3/2008, NIWA 39573 (DNA code= NIWA 39573). Ophioplinthus cf. accomodata: IN2022_V09/071, Gascoyne Marine Park. Site:024, 20° 49.689´S, 111° 36.2038´E to 20° 51.295´S, 111° 35.522´E, 1990–2057 m, 4/12/2022, MV F310391 (DNA code=F310391). Ophioplinthus inflata (Koehler, 1897): off Colombo, 6° 29´N, 79° 34´E, 1110 m, holotype, ZSI 5190/7. Ophioplinthus medusa Lyman, 1878: PS61 ANT-XIX/4 (ANDEEP)/138-4, 62° 57.8´S, 27° 52.14´W to 62° 57.77´S, 27° 51.1´W, 4544–4545 m, 16/3/2002, CASIZ 161434 (DNA code=CAS161434). Ophioplinthus sp. MoV.7271 IN2021_V04/28, Karma Seamount, 12° 49.551´S, 107° 2.7912´E to 12° 50.03´S, 107° 3.6´E, 2760– 2850 m, 11/7/2021, identified by O’Hara (2024b), MV F305601 (DNA code=F305601).</p><p>Description. Disc 7 to 11 mm dd, arms 1.5 to 2 times dd, relatively longer on smallest specimens, pentagonal, rounded edges, dorsal side (Fig. 9a) with prominent round centrodorsal and separated primary plates at mid-radius, some secondary larger plates radially and interradially, 2–3 rows of smaller scales between centrodorsal and primary plates, large marginal plate laterally, radial shields 1/6 dd, just touching or separate radially; hydroid tracks meander across the disc between plates; visible arm comb consists of a few low inconspicuous square papillae (Fig. 9c). Oral shield pentagonal, with straight or slightly convex lateral and distal edges, opposed by a large ventral plate; can be fragmented by hydroid tracks (Fig. 9b). Genital slit is half the disc radius in length, bordered by low square papillae, becoming more separate and plate or granule like near the margin. Oral tentacle pore with 4 scales on either side.</p><p>DAPs usually separate, except between 1st and 2nd plate, diamond shaped with rounded corners, hydroid tracks can obscure plate outlines (Fig. 9a). LAPs squarish, overlapping neighbouring plates, penetrated by the tentacle pore (Fig. 9e–f), arm spine articulations obscure. VAPs separate, enlarged proximally, becoming broadly triangular distally. Tentacle pores obvious for only the first 2–3 segments, thereafter they penetrate the LAP, opening near the lowest arm spine (Fig. 9c). Three small simple arm spines, 1/10 segment in length, lowest longest. 1–2 tentacle scales on either side of the basal pores, hereafter one small pointed scale, next to the lowest arm spine. Colour (live, Fig. 6f): light grey dorsal disc, disc rim and arms pale.</p><p>Distribution. W Atlantic (1956–3442 m), E Atlantic (2100–3200 m), S Africa (1539–2700 m), W Indian Ocean (1880–3645 m).</p><p>Remarks. Following previous authors, these specimens have been named as O. abyssorum, whose type locality is in the West Indies at 1997 m. This species resembles O. tessellata (Verrill, 1894) from the temperate bathyal North Atlantic, O. pseudotessellata Martynov &amp; Litvinova, 2008 from off the Azores, and O. mordax (Koehler, 1922b) from off eastern Antarctica. Distinguishing these species is difficult as they are often infested with a hydroid (named as Hydractinia ingolfi (Kramp) on O. tessellata, see Mortensen, 1933d: 92) that creates variation in the shape and distribution of dorsal and central disc plates, oral shields and dorsal arm plates. On the dorsal disc these hydroid tracks can have the appearance of heart-urchin fascioles (Fig. 9a). However, O. tessellata is perhaps distinguished by its contiguous DAPs on the basal part of the arm, O. pseudotessellata has elongated radial shields, and O. mordax appears to lack a larger ventral plate distally to the oral shield (although this could be due to fragmentation from the hydroid infestation). Guille &amp; Vadon (1986) identified a specimen from off northern Madagascar (2300–2500 m) as O. mordax based on a comparison with two Antarctic syntypes of O. mordax in the MNHN.</p><p>DNA data is required to satisfactorily separate these forms. Unfortunately, we have failed to obtain DNA sequence data from any of the North Atlantic Ophioplinthus species, nor an Antarctic O. mordax . The DNA data we do have indicates that the MD 208 specimens form a sister clade to an undescribed species ( Ophioplinthus sp. MoV.7271, see O’Hara 2024b) from the eastern Indian Ocean seamounts (1915–3172 m), which together are sister to O. accommodata (Koehler, 1922b) from off southern Australia and New Zealand (1000–2902 m).</p><p>The two species of Ophioplinthus described from the western Indian Ocean are not closely related. Ophioplinthus inconveniens (Hertz, 1927b) is known from the unique 4 mm holotype found off East Africa (1668 m) and resembles an Ophiomastus or Anthophiura . There are very few disc plates, with the primaries contiguous with each other and the radial shields. Ophioplinthus inflata from off Sri Lanka (1110 m) appears from the type figures to be more like an Ophiuroglypha with pronounced arm comb granules, large triangular oral shield, small ventral disc plates, radials that are contiguous over their distal half, and appearing to lack a hydroid infestation. The unique type of O. inflata in the ZSI has disintegrated (O’Hara pers. obs.).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFC0A867FF1AA6895BF9F847	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFC5A85BFF1AA3F05A32FD7B.text	3724530AFFC5A85BFF1AA3F05A32FD7B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiuroglypha atlantis O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophiuroglypha atlantis sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: B8507B22-881A-493D-ACFB-9F6DCF9DEBE6</p><p>Fig. 10a–l</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.658´S, 57° 16.371´E to 32° 42.64´S, 57° 17.58´E, 707 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 8-3, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.658´S, 57° 16.371´E to 32° 42.64´S, 57° 17.58´E, 707 m, 9/12/2011, holotype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.64); paratype: 1 (MV F321045) (DNA code= JC066-3639) .</p><p>OTHER STUDY MATERIAL. Ophiuroglypha sp: JC066/4-20, Coral seamount, 41° 22.35´S, 42° 54.64´E, 732 m, 17/11/2011 , NHMUK.2025.63 (1).</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiuroglypha sp. MoV.7376 KANADEEP2/ PL740 _ASPI-6, Mont D, 23° 34.417´S, 169° 36.953´E, 667 m, 6/9/2019, MNHN IE.2019.2921 (DNA code=IE.2019.2921).</p><p>Diagnosis. Radial shields contiguous for distal half of plates. Disc plates polygonal, variable in size. Arm comb with conical to hemispherical papillae, continue along genital slit until mid-radius. Oral shield longer than wide, concave laterally. DAPs rhomboid, contiguous. VAPs contiguous for basal 5 plates, 1 st and 2 nd VAPs contiguous for over half their width. 3 short peg-like arm spines, to 1/4 segment in length, middle one becoming upturned and hook-like distally.</p><p>Description. Holotype 12 mm dd, disc indented interradially, thick rounded margin, covered in round to polygonal imbricating scales, centrodorsal pentagonal, primary and secondary plates larger and surrounded by smaller scales, marginal interradial plate not particularly enlarged, 6–7 plates between centrodorsal and radial shields; radial shields 1/5 dd, egg-shaped, with flattened distal edge, tapering proximally, contiguous radially for 1/2 plate, separated interradially by 3 scales; 5–6 rows of smaller disc scales ventrally; arm comb consists of hemispherical to conical papillae, not contiguous over dorsal arm base, becoming granule-like ventrally, persisting 1/2 way down bursal silt towards oral shield. Oral shield pentagonal, just longer than wide, with slightly convex distal margin, slightly concave distolateral sides and tapered proximally to a rounded angle; adoral shields narrow, 5.5 times longer than wide, extending to 1/2 way down oral shield, contiguous (or sometime sunken) interradially, contiguous with the first LAP distally; visible section of the oral plate sausage-shaped, leaving a small triangular decalcified area between them and the oral shields; 4–5 oral papillae along jaw edge, inner ones pointed, outer ones wide and rectangular; teeth conical to triangular, 4 in the main series, in addition a smaller apical tooth sits ventral to the oral papillae; 2nd oral tentacle pore opens outside the jaw slit with 5–6 abradial and 4 adradial scales, the outer adradial scales are larger and sit on the lateroproximal edge of the first VAP, the inner 2 arise from the ventral tentacle compartment which form the distal edge of the jaw slit.</p><p>First 1–2 DAPs rhomboid, visible underneath the arm combs, next DAP 3 times as wide as long with a convex distal edge and straight proximal one, succeeding plates becoming rhomboid then rounded triangular, with a straight proximal edge, divergent lateral sides and convex distal edge, distally 2x longer than wide, contiguous until near arm tip; LAP with an obtuse distal angle, straight lateral sides, and ventral part that is curved under the arm; 1st VAP 2x wider than long, hexagonal, a small gap between the first VAP and LAP, 2nd VAP more rhomboid, as wide as long, becoming a wide triangular shape by 5th segment with rounded angles (Fig. 10k), separate from the 5th VAP, developing notched proximolateral edges by the 8th VAP (Fig. 10g), 4x as wide as long distally and widely separated; 3 spaced spindle-like to cylindrical arm spines on the ventral half of the LAP, 1/4x segment length, middle one develops a rudimentary hook-tip distally; tentacle pore adjacent to the 2nd VAP with 6 abradial (on LAP) and 5 adradial (on VAP) tentacle scales, the distal adradial one is much wider than the others, forming the distal edge to the pore, appears like an accessory plate that separates the VAP and LAP; only a smaller version of this plate and 2–3 abradial ones persist by the 12th VAP, and only 1 pointed abradial scale distally. Colour (preserved) white.</p><p>Paratype 10 mm dd, similar to holotype. LAP (Fig. 10h–j) with dense stereom, transversely striated where it sits under its proximal neighbour, arm spine articulation very simple with small holes for both the muscle attachment and nerve (Fig. 10j); vertebrae with tall dorsal muscle fossae and well-developed ventral podia basins, strongly grooved ventrally, with tall narrow zygosphene (Fig. 10d).</p><p>Distribution. Atlantis Bank, SW Indian Ridge (707 m).</p><p>Remarks. This species possesses the enlarged plate-like adradial tentacle scale and separate arm combs that are characteristic of the Ophiuroglypha irrorata complex of species. This complex has been treated as a single morpho-species by many taxonomists, with an extensive list of synonyms (e.g. Madsen 1967). However, DNA evidence indicates that it is an extensive complex of many sibling species (see tree in Christodoulou et al. 2020), and characters such as the nature of the adradial tentacle scale (hinged vs flat), disc margin (sharp vs rounded), the size and position of the radial shields, the extent of the arm comb (limited to the disc margin or extending dorsally), and number (3 to many) and position (spaced or bunched on the lower portion of the LAP) of the arm spines may provide species-level diagnoses (see also Paterson 1985). Assigning names to the DNA clades requires further research. In particular, we require DNA samples from near the type locality of O. irrorata off western South Africa in 3534 m.</p><p>The new species appears to differ from existing species in having a combination of contiguous radial shields, separate dorsal arm combs, an oral shield that is longer than wide, a persistent enlarged adradial tentacle scale, and 3 widely separated arm spines. It is closest genetically to an upper bathyal specimen from New Caledonia (IE.2019.2921) which also appears to be a new species (O. sp.MoV.7376).</p><p>A smaller 6 mm dd specimen from the Coral Seamount (NHMUK 2025.63, Fig. 13i–k) is probably a distinct species. It has large irregular radial shields, arm spines that can reach a segment in length, and lacks the plate-like adradial tentacle scale. Better material is required to understand its relationships.</p><p>Etymology. Named after Atlantis seamount, the type locality.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFC5A85BFF1AA3F05A32FD7B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFFBA85FFF1AA1B15A6FFE2F.text	3724530AFFFBA85FFF1AA1B15A6FFE2F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Stegophiura waltersi O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Stegophiura waltersi sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 468F1E3F-FBC8-47B1-878A-8A0B1C792EBC</p><p>Fig. 11–12</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 48.82´S, 44° 5.9699´E to 33° 51.8´S, 44° 4.72´E, 1539–1615 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4913, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 48.82´S, 44° 5.9699´E to 33° 51.8´S, 44° 4.72´E, 1539–1615 m, 11/5/2017, holotype: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4069); paratypes: 27 (MNHN IE.2016.1375) (DNA code= IE.2016.1375) .</p><p>OTHER STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4914, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 51.1´S, 44° 4.8999´E to 33° 54.73´S, 44° 3.2199´E, 1598–1714 m, 11/5/2017: 258 (MNHN IE.2016.1374) (DNA code= IE.2016.1374) . — MD208: stn CP4915, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 56.85´S, 44° 0.07´E to 33° 58.8´S, 43° 55.3999´E, 1865–2058 m, 12/5/2017: 191 (MNHN IE.2016.1363) (DNA code= IE.2016.1363-2) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Amphiophiura distincta (Koehler, 1904): SBD/825 S, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=147.28355&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-18.36845" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 147.28355/lat -18.36845)">Great Barrier Reef Seabed Survey</a>, 18° 22.033´S, 147° 16.8289´E to 18° 22.107´S, 147° 17.0129´E, 74.4– 73.7 m, 19/9/2003 , MTQ SBD001284 (DNA code= SBD001284). SS10/2005/26, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=118.329&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-35.3447" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 118.329/lat -35.3447)">Albany</a>, 35° 20.382´S, 118° 20.46´E to 35° 20.682´S, 118° 19.74´E, 212–213 m, 23/11/2005 , MV F112578 (DNA code=F112578). Stegophiura lapidaria (Lyman, 1878): <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=138.0&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=34.116665" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 138.0/lat 34.116665)">Challenger</a> /235, off Hamamatsu, 34° 7´N, 138° 0´E, 1050 m, 4/6/1875, holotype , NHMUK 1882.12.23.412. BIOPAPUA/CP3759, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=153.6&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-4.0" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 153.6/lat -4.0)">Au</a> large de Feni Islands, 4° 0´S, 153° 36´E, 287–352 m, 14/10/2010 , MNHN IE.2007.2942 (DNA code=BP57). Stegophiura rhabdotoplax Murakami, 1942: EXBODI/DW3876, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=171.29333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-22.286667" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 171.29333/lat -22.286667)">Ile Matthew-Volcan</a> nord, 22° 17.2´S, 171° 17.6´E, 518–833 m, 17/9/2011 , MNHN IE.2007.7273 (DNA code=IE.2007.7273). Stegophiura sp. MoV.7272 IN2021_ V04 /26, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=107.05765&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-11.715333" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 107.05765/lat -11.715333)">Max Seamount</a>, 11° 42.608´S, 107° 1.9122´E to 11° 42.92´S, 107° 3.459´E, 1915– 1990 m, 10/7/2021 , identified by O’Hara (2024b), MV F305618 (DNA code=F305618). Stegophiura vivipara Matsumoto, 1915: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=139.56761&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=35.133884" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 139.56761/lat 35.133884)">Sagami Bay</a>, off Misaki, 35° 7.746´N, 139° 34.255´E to 35° 8.033´N, 139° 34.057´E, 94.5–96.6 m, 31/5/2018 , MV F248380 (DNA code=Misaki002) .</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc with rounded imbricating disc scales and polygonal radial shields that are contiguous for their distal half. Genital granules hemispherical near the oral shield, becoming conical near margin and spiniform as arm comb papillae. Oral shields wider than long, trilobed. Arms rounded, DAPs and VAPs becoming separate after basal 5 plates, lacking mid-ventral ridge on basal VAPs. 3 conical arm spines, to 0.5 segments in length, no accessory plate-like arm spines.</p><p>Description. Holotype 12 mm dd, disc pentagonal, thick; largest arm fragment 30 mm long. Disc covered with rounded imbricating scales, with radiating patterns of stereom, primary plates and interradial scales largest, surrounded by smaller plates, 3 plates between radial shields interradially, marginal interradial plate not larger than other scales; radial shields longer than wide, irregularly hexagonal, with an acute to rounded angle proximally, an obtuse angle distally, and contiguous radially for half their length; scales smaller ventrally, 3 transverse and 6–7 longitudinal rows; hemispherical papillae along genital slit from oral shield, becoming cone-shaped to spine-like and separate near margin and onto the dorsolateral surface; an opposing comb of small spines occurs along the outer edge of the first DAP and first free LAP. Oral shields bilobed, with a large rounded distal lobe, 2x wider than long, and smaller inner lobe, just wider than long, with an obtuse inner angle and straight to slightly concave lateral sides; adoral shields narrow, curve around the inner lobe of the oral shields and slightly expanded distally, contiguous interradially and separated radially by the first VAP; visible section of the oral plates parallelogram in shape, 2x as wide as long, contiguous interradially, and slightly concave distally where it is incised by the 2nd oral tentacle pore; 5 lateral oral papillae, rounded and taller than wide proximally becoming low and wide distally; ventral tooth ovoid with a blunt terminal edge; 2nd oral tentacle pore with 5 abradial scales (adoral shield spines) which are widest distally, and 4 adradial scales, the distal two arise from the first VAP and inner two from the triangular ventral compartment plate that borders the distal section of the jaw slit.</p><p>Arms oblong-shaped in cross-section; first DAP very thin triangular just visible distal to the radial shields, 2nd DAP 2.3x as wide as long, hexagonal, 2nd DAP 1.75x as wide as long, becoming narrower from the 3rd, kite-shaped from the 5th, and separate from the 8th DAP, with minute spinous processes distally; LAPs higher than long, obtusely pointed dorsally, beaded/perforated. First VAP irregular hexagonal, 2x as wide as long, widest distally, with a truncate proximal edge and a slightly concave distal edge, contiguous with succeeding plate, 2nd VAP as long as wide, gradually attenuating proximally, 3rd similar except it has notable transverse striations, becoming kite-shaped by the 5th VAP, smaller and separated from the 6th, wider than long by the 8th VAP. Three cone-shaped to spiniform arm spines, to 1/2 segment in length near arm base, widely separated, with the middle spine slightly closer to the ventral than dorsal spine, middle spine shorter and hooklet-shaped on distal segments with an abradially bent apex and no secondary teeth; no smaller accessory arm spines (except opposing arm comb on first free LAP). Tentacle pore adjacent to 2nd and 3rd VAP with 4–5 abradial (on LAP) and 3–4 adradial (on VAP) scales, the inner adradial scale enlarged, 4 abradial and 4 adradial ones by the 5th VAP; adradial scales cease by 8–9th VAP. Colour (live and preserved) light brown (Fig. 6f).</p><p>Paratypes 5–12 mm dd, sometimes lower arm spine duplicated, preserved colour on some specimens notably darker brown than the holotype. Vertebrae (Fig. 12a–d) zygospondylous, with high dorsal and well-developed ventral fossae, narrow ventral groove and tall narrow zygosphene; LAPs (Fig. 12e–f) with densely perforated exterior stereom, simple round arm spine articulations for muscle attachment and small adjacent neural perforations; DAPs (Fig. 12j) kite-shaped with denticulate distal edge; oral plates (Fig. 12g –h) long, distal and proximal sections fused, 2nd oral tentacle pore exiting outside of jaw slit; dental plate (Fig. 12i) 2x as tall and wide; teeth and infradental papillae perforations small; five teeth in vertical series (Fig. 11e), 3rd to 4th (from ventral) chisel like, widened at tip, dorsal tooth spine-like; tentacle scales (Fig. 12l) with angled spinous apical edge; arm spines (Fig. 12m) with longitudinal grooves in the stereom on the apical section; abradial genital scale smaller and wider than adradial plate (Fig. 12n–p).</p><p>Distribution. Walters Shoal (1539–2058 m).</p><p>Remarks. Molecular evidence places this species within the genus Stegophiura . Two characters tend to characterise Stegophiura species, the presence of small scale-like accessory arm spines between the longer pointed ones, and/or the presence of a swollen mid-radial ridge on basal VAPs. The following species possess accessory arm spines: S. nodosa type species (see Djakonov 1954, fig. 28), S. brachyactis (H.L. Clark, 1911), S. carinata Djakonov, 1954, S. hainensis Liao, 1995, S. ponderosa (Lyman, 1878), S. rhabdotoplax, S. sladeni (Duncan, 1879), S. sterea H.L. Clark, 1908, S. sterilis Koehler, 1922a and S.wilhelmi Manso, 2010 . In addition, re-examination of the unique holotype of Amphiophiura lapidaria revealed a series of flat rounded papilla-like accessory arm spines on the LAPs, 7 between the dorsal and middle arm spine, and 2 between the middle and ventral spine, and on this basis (confirmed by DNA evidence, Fig. 2a) this species is transferred to the genus Stegophiura . It is unclear from Duncan’s (1879) type description of S. striata whether it has dimorphic arm spines or not. Species that have swollen ridges on the basal VAPs include S. nodosa (Lütken, 1855), S. carinata, S. elevata (Lyman, 1878), S. hainensis, S. macrantha H.L. Clark, 1915, S. singletoni McKnight, 1975, S. sladeni, and S. stuwitzii (Lütken, 1857) . Only two existing species appear to lack both of these characters: S. sculpta from Korea-Japan and S. vivipara from Japan. These are very similar and possibly synonymous. Both are reported to be viviparous (Murakami 1941, Matsumoto 1917 respectively). Our DNA sample of S. vivipara from Japan was phylogenetically placed in a separate evolutionary lineage that also contains Amphiophiura distincta . All three species are characterised by the very short arms (to 2x dd) and few disc plates. Consequently, we consider S. sculpta and S. vivipara to be Amphiophiura species, pending a revision of that genus.</p><p>Stegophiura waltersi sp. nov. also does not have accessory arm spines nor swollen ventral arm plates. However, it is otherwise morphologically and genetically very close to S. lapidaria, sharing the same oral frame, arm plates, and radial shields. Stegophiura lapidaria differs in having a pentagonal centrodorsal plate, no smaller plates around the primaries, and the accessory arm spines. We consider the lack of accessory arm spines on our new species as a derived character. A related undescribed lineage ( Stegophiura sp. MoV.7272) that also lacks accessory arm spines occurs on seamounts in the eastern Indian Ocean (O’Hara 2024b).</p><p>Amphiophiura radiata is superficially similar but can be distinguished by its square genital papillae and an enlarged plate at the interradial margin.</p><p>Etymology. Named after the Walters Shoal seamount.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFFBA85FFF1AA1B15A6FFE2F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFFFA85EFF1AA10D5C4FFF2B.text	3724530AFFFFA85EFF1AA10D5C4FFF2B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiomyces grandis Lyman 1879	<div><p>Ophiomyces grandis Lyman, 1879</p><p>Fig. 19g –k, 21i</p><p>Ophiomyces grandis Lyman, 1879: 46–47, pl. 14(383–385). — Lyman, 1882: 241–242, pl. 19(13–15). — Paterson, 1985: 75–76, fig. 31 (in part). — O’Hara, 1990: 302–303, fig. 2k.</p><p>Non Ophiomyces grandis . — Cherbonnier, 1965: 846, fig g–k. — Paterson, 1985: 75–76 (in part). — Litvinova, 2001: 147–148, fig. 2–3. — Ordines et al. 2019: 1819–1821, fig. 2 [= Ophiomyces peresi Reys, 1961].</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4913, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 48.82´S, 44° 5.9699´E to 33° 51.8´S, 44° 4.72´E, 1539–1615 m, 11/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1377) . — MD208: stn CP4914, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 51.1´S, 44° 4.8999´E to 33° 54.73´S, 44° 3.2199´E, 1598–1714 m, 11/5/2017: 4 (MNHN IE.2016.1372) (DNA code= IE.2016.1372) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiomyces delata Koehler, 1904: BIOPAPUA/CP3639, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=147.58333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-7.383333" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 147.58333/lat -7.383333)">Sud de Lae</a>, Golfe de Huon, 7° 23´S, 147° 35´E, 900–932 m, 23/8/2010 , MNHN IE.2023.4070 (DNA code=BP34). in2022_ v08/143, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=96.95993&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-12.225433" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 96.95993/lat -12.225433)">Cocos</a> (Keeling), 12° 13.526´S, 96° 57.5957´E to 12° 14.351´S, 96° 58.2647´E, 1113–1343 m, 17/10/2022, identified by O’Hara (2024b), MV F307642 (DNA code=F307642). IN2022 _ V09 /116, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=112.806015&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-23.1559" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 112.806015/lat -23.1559)">Site</a>:038, 23° 9.354´S, 112° 48.3609´E, 992 m, 9/12/2022 , MV F310378 (DNA code=F310378). Ophiomyces grandis Lyman, 1879: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-12.375&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-37.35" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -12.375/lat -37.35)">Challenger</a> / 135E, Tristan d’Acunha, 37° 21´S, 12° 22.5´W, 1828 m, 18/10/1873, holotype , NHMUK 1882.12.23.291. IN2018 _ V06 /007, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=146.947&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.3474" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 146.947/lat -44.3474)">Deep</a> west of Pedra, 44° 20.844´S, 146° 56.82´E to 44° 22.596´S, 146° 56.76´E, 1745 m, 24/11/2018, MV F272372 (DNA code=F272372). TAN0307/31, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=176.552&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-49.326" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 176.552/lat -49.326)">Campbell Plateau</a>, 49° 19.56´S, 176° 33.12´E to 49° 19.62´S, 176° 32.32´E, 1522–1552 m, 21/4/2003, NIWA 48457 (14). TAN0307/85, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-176.55833&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-49.8115" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -176.55833/lat -49.8115)">Bollons Seamount</a>, 49° 48.69´S, 176° 33.5´W, 1266 m, 2/5/2003 , NIWA 48621.</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL NOT EXAMINED. Ophiomyces peresi Reys, 1961: INTEMARES-A22B_ 0718/20, Ses Olives seamount, 38° 56.1´N, 1° 57.97´E, 275 m, 7/2018, identified by Ordines et al. 2019 as Ophiomyces grandis, CFM 7020-7022 (DNA code= MK934137).</p><p>Distribution. SE Australia (1000–1840 m); Campbell Plateau/Bollons Seamount (1266–1522 m); Tristan da Cunha (1828 m), Walters Shoal (1539–1714).</p><p>Remarks. Ophiomyces grandis (type locality Tristan da Cunha) is a southern hemisphere mid-bathyal (1000– 1840 m) species, found on seamounts, and is characterised by having only the most distal oral papillae widened at the tip like hockey sticks and up to 3 tentacle scales on the ventral arm plates and several on the lateral arm plates (O’Hara 1990). The MD 208 specimens measure up to 7 mm dd, and have dimorphic arm spines, with the 4 lowest pointed and as long as the segment and the upper 5–6 short and needle-like. Unlike in the genera Ophiotholia and Ophiohelus, there are no parasol-shaped arm spines. The vertebrae (Fig. 19k) have pronounced vertical zygocondyles and a small reduced zygosphene. The LAPs (Fig. 19g –h) have a long ventral extension that meets on the mid-radius and separates the VAPs (Fig. 19j). The arm spine articulations consist of two convex lips orientated vertically, the arm spines themselves (Fig. 19i) have a pronounced groove along their length. The living colour is an off-white (Fig. 6f).</p><p>Ophiomyces grandis has also been reported from the North Atlantic in 124–802 m (Cherbonnier 1965; Paterson 1985; Ordines et al. 2019). The latter study supplies the only DNA sequence (MK934137, COI) available from this region, which is distinct from the southern hemisphere O. grandis . This, and the shallower bathymetric distribution of the North Atlantic specimens (124–802 m), suggests that it represents a separate species for which the name Ophiomyces peresi Reys, 1961 (Type locality: Gorringe Bank, North of Madeira, 200 m) is available.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFFFA85EFF1AA10D5C4FFF2B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFFEA85EFF1AA2095DC0F971.text	3724530AFFFEA85EFF1AA2095DC0F971.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiologimus prolifer (Studer 1882)	<div><p>Ophiologimus prolifer (Studer, 1882)</p><p>Ophioscolex prolifer Studer, 1882: 28, pl. 3(13a–e).</p><p>Ophiologimus prolifer . — Martynov, 2010b: 70.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-12, Coral seamount, 41° 22.333´S, 42° 54.066´E to 41° 23´S, 42° 54.1´E, 730 m, 16/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.) (DNA code=02W70).</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiologimus cf. hexactis SE-1722/10DR, Kumano-nada, 33° 59.72´N, 136° 56.67´E to 33° 59.72´N, 136° 56.68´E, 796– 768 m, 10/11/2017, NSMT E11571 (DNA code=SE-17- 155). Ophiologimus hexactis H.L. Clark, 1911: Sagami Bay, off Misaki, stn1, 35° 8.415´N, 139° 32.944´E to 35° 8.262´N, 139° 32.746´E, 109–160 m, 4/6/2018 (DNA code=Misaki035). Ophiologimus prolifer (Studer, 1882): Gazelle/Barrier Island, off Barrier Island, 35° 21´S, 175° 40´E, 1092.5 m, 12/11/1875, syntype, ZMB Ech2535. SS02/2007/8, Huon Margin, 44° 1.837´S, 147° 34.776´E to 44° 2.135´S, 147° 34.912´E, 830–1030 m, 31/3/2007, MV F146329 (DNA code=TOH_0946). TAN0803/69, Macquarie Ridge, Seamount 6, 52° 23.85´S, 160° 39.4´E to 52° 23.91´S, 160° 40.13´E, 451– 438 m, 9/4/2008, NIWA 43108 (DNA code=TOH_0425). Ophiologimus quadrispinus H.L. Clark, 1925: EXBODI/DW3918, Récifs de l’Astrolabe- Mont sous-marin Est, 19° 51.9´S, 165° 55.2´E, 748–922 m, 24/9/2011, MNHN IE.2007.7264 (DNA code=IE.2007.7264). Ophiologimus secundus Koehler, 1914: ME 85- 3/1069, South Iceland, Irminger Basin, 62° 59.33´N, 28° 5.7´W to 62° 59.81´N, 28° 5.01´W, 1588 m, 8/9/2011, DZMB-HH 58752 (DNA code=DZMB53422B).</p><p>Distribution. New Zealand (170–1110 m), Macquarie Ridge (438–451 m), SE Australia (830–1640 m), Coral Seamount (730 m).</p><p>Remarks. The JC066 specimen was preserved in RNALater.An RNA transcriptome was successfully sequenced (O’Hara et al. 2014b), but the remaining specimen was subsequently destroyed through a freezer failure. The COI of this specimen is similar to that from Australian specimens of O. prolifer . The specimens here have 6 arms. They also have one elongated tentacle scale, and three arm spines, the upper being flatter, wider and longer than the others. The upper arm spines are modified into hooks distally. The type of this species (ZMB Ech 2535) is similar, but has 7 arms, but one arm is smaller than the others and may have originated from an injury. It has one lanceolate tentacle scale, 3 arm spines (middle shortest), the DAPs are longer than wide, rounded triangular, and the distal tips of the radial shields are exposed.</p><p>Two other 6-armed Ophiologimus species have been described: the type species O. hexactis H.L. Clark, 1911 from Japan and O. secundus Koehler, 1904 from the North Atlantic. The former is distinguished from O. prolifer by the presence of 2 oval tentacle scales. Martynov (2010b) separated O. secundus from O. prolifer by the shape of the oral shield (with a dorsal lobe in O. secundus) and DAPs (contiguous and polygonal in O. prolifer). However, the latter character does not hold good in the present material and may be influenced by size. However, a specimen of O. secundus from Iceland is clearly separated from O. prolifer on our phylogeny (Fig. 2b). Another similar genus is Ophiolycus which appears to differ in having more spine-like inner oral papillae, a 2nd oral tentacle that emerges outside of the slit, and distal oral tentacle scales that are not confluent with the inner ones.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFFEA85EFF1AA2095DC0F971	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFFCA85CFF1AA1D55D8EF9D9.text	3724530AFFFCA85CFF1AA1D55D8EF9D9.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiectodia Verrill 1899	<div><p>Ophiectodia Verrill, 1899</p><p>Ophiacantha (Ophiectodia) Verrill, 1899: 42 [type Ophiacantha enopla Verrill, 1885 designated herein].</p><p>TYPE SPECIES. Ophiectodia enopla</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiodiplax antarctica (Koehler, 1901): US AMLR-09/40-29, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-44.874&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-60.998165" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -44.874/lat -60.998165)">South</a> Orkney Islands, 61° 0.78´S, 44° 53.73´W to 60° 59.89´S, 44° 52.44´W, 265– 254 m, 17/2/2009 , MV F168812 (DNA code=F168812). Ophiolebes bacata Koehler, 1921: CE13008/36, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-12.540833&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=54.053165" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -12.540833/lat 54.053165)">Rockall Trough</a>, ‘ North’ Canyon, 54° 3.19´N, 12° 32.45´W, 1361 m , 6/2013, NUI (DNA code= NUI1402 A). Ophiolebes felli O’Hara &amp; Thuy, 2022: SS10/2005/44, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=118.351&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-35.4374" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 118.351/lat -35.4374)">Albany</a>, 35° 26.046´S, 118° 21´E to 35° 26.244´S, 118° 21.06´E, 900–915 m, 25/11/2005 , MV F112106 (DNA code=F112106). Ophiolebes vestitus Lyman, 1878: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-54.6906&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-37.987633" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -54.6906/lat -37.987633)">Talud Continental</a> 1/11, Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, 37° 59.258´S, 54° 41.436´W, 854 m, 11/8/2012 , CNP-INV (DNA code=L11D). Ophiolebes yaldwyni Fell, 1958: TAN1104/9, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=177.8732&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-36.5018" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 177.8732/lat -36.5018)">Clark Seamount</a>, south flank, 36° 30.252´S, 177° 52.62´E to 36° 30.108´S, 177° 52.392´E, 1583– 1576 m, 3/3/2011 , NIWA 72089 (DNA code=72089).</p><p>Remarks. Ophiacantha is a polyphyletic taxon. The type species is O. bidentata but most Ophiacantha species are not closely related to this species, and they are separated from the type species on our phylogeny by other genera. This includes a clade of species related to O. enopla and O. veterna with a disc covering of minute granules, minute tentacle scales, and 3–4 oral papillae. We resurrect the genus-level name Ophiectodia Verrill, 1899 for this clade of species. Verrill never nominated a type species but included 3 species ( O. enopla, O. rosea and O. spectabilis) in his genus. The only specimens he had to hand were O. enopla, which we designate as the type species. The species O. rosea and O. spectabilis are now considered to belong to Ophiosabine and Ophiotreta respectively. Other described species in our DNA clade include O. imago Lyman, 1878 from Kerguelen and the 6–7 armed O. opulenta Koehler, 1908 from the Antarctic lower bathyal.</p><p>The sister clade to Ophiectodia is Ophiolebes . The sister lineage to these two clades is O. antarctica Koehler, 1901 for which we further resurrect the available genus-level name Ophiodiplax Koehler, 1911 .</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFFCA85CFF1AA1D55D8EF9D9	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFFCA853FF1AA5125DEDFB5F.text	3724530AFFFCA853FF1AA5125DEDFB5F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiectodia enopla (Verrill 1885)	<div><p>Ophiectodia enopla (Verrill, 1885)</p><p>Fig. 14a–g</p><p>Ophiacantha enopla Verrill, 1885: 153 .</p><p>Ophiacantha (Ophiectodia) enopla . — Verrill, 1899: 37, 42.</p><p>Ophiacantha veterna Koehler, 1907: 41–43 . — Koehler, 1909: 189–190, pl. 29(3–4). — Martynov &amp; Litvinova, 2008: 96–97, fig. 11d. — O’Hara &amp; Thuy, 2022: 16–17, fig. 6a–b [new synonymy].</p><p>Ophiacantha enopla enopla . — Paterson, 1985: 36–37, fig. 16.</p><p>Ophiacantha enopla veterna . — Paterson, 1985: 37, fig. 16. — Stöhr &amp; Segonzac, 2005: 392.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-4, Coral seamount, 41° 22.8371´S, 42° 50.6024´E to 41° 22.85´S, 42° 51.99´E, 1186 m, 13/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.37) (DNA code= JC066-648) . — JC066: stn 4-9, Coral seamount, 41°</p><p>21.0283´S, 42° 55.145´E to 41° 21.7´S, 42° 54.8´E, 1100 m, 14/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.38) (DNA code= JC066- 1001) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiectodia enopla (Verrill, 1885): CE13008/91, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-10.69&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=48.635834" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -10.69/lat 48.635834)">Whittard Canyon</a>, 48° 38.15´N, 10° 41.4´W, 2400 m , 6/2013, NUI (DNA code= NUI1666 K) . EX1905 L2/D12-04B, small canyon between Block and <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-70.85333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=39.81867" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -70.85333/lat 39.81867)">Alvin</a> canyons, 39° 49.12´N, 70° 51.2´w, 1138 m, 14/9/2019 , USNM 1596691 (DNA code= USNM 1596691). SS10/2005/54, Pt Hillier, 35° 31.362´S, 117° 12.66´E to 35° 31.566´S, 117° 13.8´E, 1075– 1110 m, 27/11/2005, MV F112618 (DNA code= MVF112618). TN228/J2-389-008, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=148.82208&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-41.239483" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 148.82208/lat -41.239483)">Hill</a> offshore of St. Helens, 41° 14.369´S, 148° 49.325´E, 1286 m, 1/1/2009 , MV F168673 (DNA code=F168673). TAN1402/14, Forde Seamount, Stratum 1, 35° 19.57´S, 170° 26.32´W to 35° 19.42´S, 170° 26.14´W, 1137–1154 m, 9/2/2014, NIWA 94074.</p><p>Description. Large specimen (NHMUK 2025.37, 8 mm dd, arms 46+ mm), disc covered in tiny granules, with naked region triangular regions indicating the distal end of the radial shields; oral shields 2x as wide as long, lozenge-shaped, with a small distal lobe; adoral shields thick, almost as long as the oral shields, 2x as wide as long, fully contiguous interradially; 4–5 oral papillae, 3rd &amp; 4th stoutest, almost as wide as long, minutely thorny; arm plates not striated or glassy, separate throughout (except for a few basal DAPs); DAPs triangular to bell-shaped; VAPs 2x as wide as long; to 8 arm spines, uppermost to 2 segments in length, lower ones minutely thorny, becoming hookshaped distally; tiny spine-like tentacle scale, visible until near the arm tip. Small specimen (NHMUK 2025.38, 4 mm dd), disc spines, arm spines and oral papillae spinier than the adult; disc granules with numerous thorns; 3–5 oral papillae, some suboral in position; tentacle scale visible until arm tip.</p><p>Distribution. Arctic (1992–1995 m), NW Atlantic (457–1421 m), NE Atlantic (1350–2669 m), E Atlantic (1004–1679 m), Amsterdam &amp; St Paul (940–1680 m), S Australia (900–1650 m), Louisville Ridge (1075–1448 m), Coral Seamount (1100–1186 m)</p><p>Remarks. Paterson (1985) and Martynov &amp; Litvinova (2008) separated O. veterna from O. enopla on the basis of the smaller tentacle scales that are absent near the arm tip, and the smaller disc granules with less pronounced thorns. Ophiectodia veterna was recorded from the NE and central N Atlantic and O. enopla from the NW Atlantic Ocean. We have sequenced DNA from specimens on both sides of the Atlantic and throughout the cool temperate Southern Ocean, including from the Coral seamount, and find no bathymetric or geographic structure. This dataset includes a juvenile (Fig. 14a–d) and adult (Fig. 14e–g) from the Coral Seamount that show ontogenetic variations in morphology. The juvenile differs in having relatively larger disc granules with numerous thorns, and more thorny arm spines and oral papillae. Consequently, we consider O. veterna a synonym of O. enopla .</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFFCA853FF1AA5125DEDFB5F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFF3A850FF1AA7955A1AFA63.text	3724530AFFF3A850FF1AA7955A1AFA63.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiectodia melvillei O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophiectodia melvillei sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 739A07F7-F437-459E-95EB-6EE7DF93C160</p><p>Fig. 14h–k, 15</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Melville Bank, 38° 30.081´S, 46° 45.78´E to 38° 29.77´S, 46° 45.58´E, 1364 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 5-24, Melville Bank, 38° 30.081´S, 46° 45.78´E to 38° 29.77´S, 46° 45.58´E, 1364 m, 26/11/2011, holotype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.40); paratype: 1 (MV F321044) (DNA code= JC066-3284); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.39) (DNA code= JC066-3275) .</p><p>OTHER STUDY MATERIAL. Ophiectodia cf melvillei: JC066: stn 8-22, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.225´S, 57° 18.02´E to 32° 42.59´S, 57° 17.01´E, 1000 m, 13/12/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.41) (DNA code= JC066-3736) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiectodia imago (Lyman, 1878): PROTEKER 1/trois bergers, Ilot des 3 Bergers, 49° 17.382´S, 69° 42.666´E, 5–20 m, 28/12/2011, MNHN IE.2013.16281 (DNA code= TOH92 - IE.2013.16281). Ophiectodia opulenta (Koehler, 1908): PS61 ANT-XIX/4 (ANDEEP)/132-3, 65° 17.88´S, 53° 22.88´W to 65° 17.35´S, 53° 22.89´W, 2087– 2084 m, 6/3/2002 , CASIZ 161433 (DNA code= CAS161433) .</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc covered in small conical granules terminating in a few thorns, middle surface of bar-like radial shields naked, some granules on distal edge of basal DAPs. Oral shields wider than long. 4–7 spiniform oral papillae. Five arms with to 9 arm spines on each side, less than a segment in length, minutely thorny, 1 tiny, pointed tentacle scale, absent basally.</p><p>Description. Holotype 8 mm dd, disc pentagonal to round, covered in thin round perforated disc scales with dense (but separate) tiny conical disc granules with a few short thorns at the apex, 0.10–0.15 mm wide, 1–2x as high as wide, a small narrow naked area over the mid-part of the radial shield, granules extend onto the dorsal arm;</p><p>granules covering entire ventral disc surface, but smaller and conical to hemispherical near the genital slit and oral shields; oral shield lozenge-shaped with rounded angles, proximal and distal angle a little lobed, 2x as wide as long; adoral shields 2x as wide as long, separated interradially by a small decalcified area, do not continue distally around the lateral edges of the oral shields; jaws wider than long, bearing 4–7 spiniform oral papillae, some suboral in position, 2–3x as long as wide, inner ones pointed, distal ones more rounded, minutely thorny; 4 teeth, 3 ventralmost with a wide truncate distal edge, dorsal one thinner, more spine like; 2nd oral tentacle opening within the jaw slit.</p><p>Arms five, exceeding 37 mm in length; DAPs wider than long, fan-shaped to triangular, with an obtuse proximal angle and convex distal margin, separate, with 1–2 rows of disc granules occurring around the edge of the 3 basal DAPs, then just on the distal edge of the succeeding 3 plates; VAP1 heart-shaped with proximolateral lobes, narrow distal edge that is contiguous with VAP2, succeeding VAPs broadly triangular, 2x as wide as long, with an obtuse proximal angle and rounded distal edge, slightly notched laterally for the podial pores, just contiguous, becoming as wide as long by the 8th segment and then longer than wide; to 9 short minutely-thorny arm spines, middle one longest but less than a segment in length, 3x as long as wide, blunt apex, 2 spines on the first arm segment, 3 on the 2nd and 5 on the 3rd, distally the lowest arm spine has ventral thorns that give it a hook-shape; one tiny pointed tentacle scale about 1/5 the segment in length with 1–2 terminal thorns, absent for the first 14 segments or so (the lower arm spine bent over the pore), but then persisting until end of arm.</p><p>Paratypes MV F321044 (6 mm dd) and 6.5 mm dd) are similar but differ in having fewer arm spines (up to 7) that typically extend to less than 1/2 the segment in length, the number of granules along the distal DAP edge reduced to 1 by the 4th segment. Paratype (NHMUK 2025.39) vertebrae (Fig. 15e–i) with streptospondylous hour-glass articulations, ventral fossae positioned near distal margin and the whole vertebra appears attenuated proximally. LAPs (Fig. 15a–d) longer dorsally than ventrally, with dense perforated but not striated stereom, and a clear demarcation to the ridge of spine articulations which has a more open stereom network, articulations horseshoe-shaped with a distal opening, slightly more thickened dorsally, enclosing muscle and nerve pores that are separated by a vertical septum. Dental plate (Fig. 15l) oblong shaped with at least 4 sunken tooth articulation points, ventrally smallest. Oral plates (Fig. 15j–k) short, only as wide as long.</p><p>Distribution. Melville Bank (1364 m),?Coral Seamount (1000 m).</p><p>Remarks. Our genetic evidence places this species within Ophiectodia, sister to all the other described species. Its morphology is also consistent with Ophiectodia by having small dense disc spines, more than 3 oral papillae, numerous arm spines and a tiny tentacle scale. The new species differs from the other described species ( O. enopla, O. imago, O. opulenta) by having very short arm spines that do not exceed a segment in length. The upper arm spine on the other species exceeds 2 segments in length. Ophiectodia enopla further differs in having granule-shaped disc spines (in adults) covered in multiple tiny points, and O. opulenta has 6–7 arms, although it does not appear to be fissiparous.</p><p>We have also included a small specimen (NHMUK 2025.41, 4 mm dd) from the Atlantis Bank (Fig 14l–n) in this species. Its DNA is divergent from the two Melville Bank samples, and it differs morphologically in having granule-shaped disc spines with some tiny terminal thorns, a larger section of the radial shield that is exposed, to 6 short arm spines, and a smaller oral shield, only as wide as long. With only one small specimen it is unclear whether this represents a distinct species or a juvenile of O. melvillei . Ophiacanthid disc spines are known to alter shape with growth from juvenile to adult (see O. enopla).</p><p>Etymology. Named after Melville Bank, the type locality.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFF3A850FF1AA7955A1AFA63	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFF0A857FF1AA6895B47FDC3.text	3724530AFFF0A857FF1AA6895B47FDC3.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiacantha exilis (Koehler 1922)	<div><p>Ophiacantha exilis (Koehler, 1922)</p><p>Fig 16d–g</p><p>Ophiomitrella exilis Koehler, 1922a: 110–111, pl. 22(9,10).</p><p>Ophiacantha exilis . — O’Hara &amp; Stöhr, 2006: 49, 89. — O’Hara, 2024b: 39, fig. 39.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4915, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 56.85´S, 44° 0.07´E to 33° 58.8´S, 43° 55.3999´E, 1865–2058 m, 12/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1370) (DNA code= IE.2016.1370) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiacantha exilis (Koehler, 1922a): IN2015_E02/021, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=147.31667&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.3225" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 147.31667/lat -44.3225)">Huon Commonwealth Marine Reserve</a>, 44° 19.35´S, 147° 19´E to 44° 19.17´S, 147° 18.47´E, 2028 m, 11/4/2015, MV F227369 (DNA code=F227369). IN2017 _ V03 /069, Hunter CMR, 32° 28.74´S, 152° 59.64´E to 32° 30.42´S, 152° 59.46´E, 1006–1036 m, 3/6/2017, MV F239929 (DNA code=F239929). IN2021 _ V04 /40, Shcherbakov Seamount, 10° 55.475´S, 104° 36.687´E to 10° 55.441´S, 104° 38.0688´E, 1608–1663 m, 14/7/2021, identified by O’Hara (2024b), MV F305548 (DNA code=F305548). TN228/RD2, A1 Seamount, Huon, 44° 19.667´S, 147° 16.48458´E, 1253–1273 m, 20/12/2008, MV F168108. Ophiacantha richeri O’Hara &amp; Stöhr, 2006: TAN1402/31, Forde</p><p>Seamount, Stratum 1, 35° 19.01´S, 170° 27.09´W to 35° 18.48´S, 170° 27.53´W, 1205–1600 m, 11/2/2014, NIWA 95821 (DNA code= NIWA 95821).</p><p>Distribution. E Indo-W Pacific (1280–1663 m), S Australia (1006–2518 m), Walters Shoal (1865–2058 m).</p><p>Remarks. The single MD 208 specimen measures 2 mm dd. It has the characters of O. exilis including a petaloid disc that is indented interradially; moniliform arms that curl under the disc; small slender disc spinelets, pedicel with 3–5 terminal thorns, sometimes smaller thorns on major ones; thorny arm spines that are short except the uppermost one near the arm base; one tentacle scale that is acute and thorny, to half the VAP in length; 3 oral papillae, the outer one pointed; and adoral shields that extend around the lateral tip of the oral shields. It differs a little from the type and specimens reported by O’Hara (2024b) in having lozenge-shaped oral shields that are only a little extended proximally. On specimens from Australia, the oral shields have a long pointed proximal extension that can separate the adoral shields, and the oral papillae are more spiniform. DNA evidence indicates that this species ranges across the Indian Ocean to SE Australia.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFF0A857FF1AA6895B47FDC3	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFF7A857FF1AA1E95AA0F89F.text	3724530AFFF7A857FF1AA1E95AA0F89F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiacantha metallacta H. L. Clark 1915	<div><p>Ophiacantha metallacta H.L. Clark, 1915</p><p>Fig 16a–c, 19a–f</p><p>Ophiacantha vepratica . — Koehler, 1914: 94–95, pl. 13(6) [Non Ophiacantha vepratica Lyman T, 1878; see Clark, H.L., 1915].</p><p>Ophiacantha metallacta Clark, H.L., 1915: 202–203 . — Mortensen, 1933d: fig. 18b,d. — Paterson, 1985: 44, fig. 19.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 8-5, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.862´S, 57° 14.666´E to 32° 43.3´S, 57° 15.2´E, 828–994 m, 10/12/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.32) (DNA code= JC066-3683); 1 (NHMUK 2025.33) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiacantha metallacta H.L. Clark, 1915: BIOPAPUA/ DW3719, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=147.6&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-6.05" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 147.6/lat -6.05)">Vitiaz</a> strait, 6° 3´S, 147° 36´E, 410 m, 7/10/2010 , MNHN IE.2023.4074 (DNA code=BP87). EX1806 / D07_01B, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-77.36&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=31.77" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -77.36/lat 31.77)">Richardson Ridge</a>, 31° 46.2´N, 77° 21.6´W, 1753 m, 21/6/2018 , USNM 1490594 (DNA code= USNM 1490594). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-80.91695&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=24.23887" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -80.91695/lat 24.23887)">Kraken</a> 2/2-2, 24° 14.3322´N, 80° 55.0169´W, 513 m, 29/11/2011 , MV F248413 (DNA code=F248413). SS05/2007/156, Northwestern Australia, Leveque L 27 transect, 14° 33.432´S, 121° 20.388´E to 14° 32.767´S, 121° 19.65´E, 1100 m, 3/7/2007, MV F167998 (DNA code= TOH _584). TAN1206/34, Site SM3 a, summit of <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=177.8385&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-36.4472" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 177.8385/lat -36.4472)">Clark Seamount</a>, Kermadec Ridge, 36° 26.832´S, 177° 50.31´E to 177° 50.508´N, 36° 26.982´W, 850–980 m, 18/4/2012, MV F188863 (DNA code=02WOZ) .</p><p>Description. Disc 6 mm dd, covered in small disc spines (Fig. 19e), typically 0.20 mm high, with a slightly waisted pedicel and a convex crown bearing short divergent points, 0.18 mm across, absent from the radial shields, becoming smaller and conical to spherical in shape ventrally, extend to the oral shields; oral shields 1.5x wider than long, widest proximally with a rounded distal lobe; 3 oral papillae along the jaw sides in addition to 3–8 suboral papillae that can also occur around the adoral shields, tapered apical teeth. Arms not moniliform, vertebrae (Fig. 19f) with a pronounced distal zygosphene and zygocondyles further back. DAPs wide and triangular, over 2x wider than long, widely separated. LAPs quadrangular in lateral view (Fig. 19a–b) with a notable vertical wavy ridge that separates the proximal part of the plate from the arm spine articulation area, arm spine articulations typical Ophiacantha in form. VAPs 1.5x as wide as long, contiguous, with a glassy striated convex distal margin and obtuse angle proximally (Fig 19c); to 9 finely-rugose arm spines forming a fan across the dorsal arm proximally, uppermost just over 2 segments in length (Fig. 19d); one oval tentacle scale, sometimes thorny at the tip, 1/3 the VAP in length.</p><p>Distribution. W Atlantic (305–1753 m), Indo-Pacific (410–1100 m), New Zealand (850–980 m), Atlantis Bank (828–994 m).</p><p>Remarks. The Atlantis Bank specimens differ from previous descriptions in having suboral as well as the 3 oral papillae. These are only rarely present on the other specimens examined. More specimens are required to determine whether this difference is significant or not. The DNA evidence (Fig. 2b), however, suggests that it is a widespread species complex occurring from Western Atlantic to northern New Zealand.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFF7A857FF1AA1E95AA0F89F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFF6A855FF1AA43D5C15FD0F.text	3724530AFFF6A855FF1AA43D5C15FD0F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiacantha striolata Mortensen 1933	<div><p>Ophiacantha striolata Mortensen, 1933</p><p>Ophiacantha striolata Mortensen, 1933b: 322–324, fig. 42–43. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 168–169, figs 169, 175, 180. — Clark, A.M., 1977: 135. — Olbers et al. 2019: 122–123, fig. 106–107.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn WB05, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale Sud, 33° 15.12´S, 43° 54.514´E, 26–30 m, 1/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4164) (DNA code= IE.2023.4164) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiacantha alternata A.M. Clark, 1966: MRG/797, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=145.03334&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-38.483334" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 145.03334/lat -38.483334)">Flinders</a>, bay side of West Head, 38° 29´S, 145° 2´E, 0–1 m, 7/3/2014 , MV F173963 (DNA code=F173963). Ophiacantha indica Ljungman, 1867: KGR/ <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=127.34358&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-13.898883" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 127.34358/lat -13.898883)">Sled</a> 12, King George River region, 13° 53.933´S, 127° 20.6148´E, 41 m, 7/6/2013 , MV F193489 (DNA code=F193489) .</p><p>Distribution. South Africa to Southern Mozambique (84–412m), Walters Shoal (26–30 m)</p><p>Remarks. The single Walters Shoal specimen (3 mm dd) has short arms, barely 3x dd; the disc is covered in trifid disc spinelets with numerous thorns (see Mortensen 1933b) on thin perforated overlapping plates, including a few on the distal ends of radial shields, sparser ventrally; to 8 arm spines meeting dorsally, middle to lower ones with numerous thorns, upper more smooth, up to 2 segments in length, distally the lowest spine is a little curved; narrow jaw, 3 erect oral papillae, triangular oral shields, adoral shields extended radially, but separated by the first VAP; LAPs very striated; the single tentacle scale is 1/2 as long as segment, 2x as long as wide, striated with pointed or thorny tip, VAPs thin glassy and beaded. This specimen matches Mortensen’s type description and figures of O. striolata from eastern South Africa, especially the form of the disc spines, however, the tentacle scale is larger than the minute scale figured for the type. On our phylogeny (Fig. 2b) this specimen is sister to Ophiacantha indica and O. alternata both shallow water species from the East Indo-West Pacific and Southern Australia respectively.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFF6A855FF1AA43D5C15FD0F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFF5A854FF1AA0255D02F9AF.text	3724530AFFF5A854FF1AA0255D02F9AF.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiacantha swio O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophiacantha swio sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: EB5F3CF4-6A8A-488E-A7D2-CB2DA40F8320</p><p>Fig. 16k–n, 18</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Coral seamount, 41° 21.7673´S, 42° 54.9067´E to 41° 22.4´S, 42° 54.6´E, 740 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-37, Coral seamount, 41° 21.7673´S, 42° 54.9067´E to 41° 22.4´S, 42° 54.6´E, 740 m, 20/11/2011, holotype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.34); paratype: 1 (MV F321042) (DNA code= JC066-1248); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.35) .</p><p>OTHER STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 8-5, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.862´S, 57° 14.666´E to 32° 43.3´S, 57° 15.2´E, 828–994 m, 10/12/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.36) (DNA code= JC066-3720) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiacantha fuscina O’Hara &amp; Stöhr, 2006: in2022_v08/126, Cocos (Keeling), 11° 47.492´S, 96° 50.4342´E to 11° 47.504´S, 96° 51.5463´E, 820–822 m, 14/10/2022, identified by O’Hara (2024b), MV F308140 (DNA code=F308140). KANADEEP2/CP5074, Mont J, 750–901 m, 25/9/2019, MNHN IE.2019.3239 (DNA code=IE.2019.3239). Ophiacantha longidens Lyman, 1878: EXBODI/DW3938, Récif Pétrie, 18° 36.2´S, 164° 24´E, 505–761 m, 27/9/2011, MNHN IE.2007.6817 (DNA code=IE.2007.6817). SAYA/DW5429, SE Seamount, 11° 52.331´S, 62° 22.833´E, 554 m, 14/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4297 (DNA code=IE.2023.4297). Ophiacantha swio Chargos /25, Great Chargos Bank, Eagle Island, 6° 10.45369´S, 71° 18.9175´E, 483 m, 22/10/2022 (DNA code=Chargos.646). PAMELA-MOZ01/DW1, Glorieuses, 11° 22.756´S, 47° 16.4097´E to 11°22.749´S, 47°17.2302´E, 753–824m, 28/9/2014, MNHN IE.2013.8424(DNA code=IE.2013.8424). PAMELA-MOZ01/DW2, Betsiboka, 15° 21.786´S, 45° 57.4619´E to 15° 20.907´S, 45° 56.5654´E, 727–1179 m, 5/10/2014, MNHN IE.2023.4012.</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL NOT EXAMINED. Ophiacantha linea Shin &amp; Rho, 1986: Sogwip’o, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=126.566666&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=34.233334" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 126.566666/lat 34.233334)">Cheju</a>, 34° 14´N, 126° 34´E, 50–60 m (DNA code= KC990833) .</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc covered in spinelets with a rounded pedicel, waisted stalk, and 3–7 apical thorns diverging at 2/3 spinelet height. Oral shield wide than long, smaller than adoral shields, 3–4 oral papillae. Five arms, bell-shaped DAPs, glassy VAPs, striated LAPs, up to 12 hollow arm spines, upper smooth to 3 segments in length, lower ones with some thorns, one flat rounded tentacle scale to half a segment in length.</p><p>Description. Holotype 9.5 mm dd, disc covered in separate to overlapping thin circular perforated scales that bear a multifid spinelet, with an expanded base, a long smooth pedicel and 3–7 divergent apical thorns that arise about 1/3 from the top of the spinelet; radial shields mostly hidden by plates and spinelets, only the distal tip exposed; disc spinelets continue onto lateral disc surface but sparse ventrally, reduced to a conical-shape without thorns near oral shield; oral shield lozenge-shaped, 2x as wide as long with obtuse proximal and distal angles and acute lateral ones; adoral shields smaller than oral shields, sausage-shaped with concave proximal and convex distal sides, not meeting interradially and separated radially by the 1st VAP, both oral and adoral shields covered in speckled epidermis; exposed section of the oral plate is small triangular, contiguous, bearing 3 sometimes 4 spiniform to leaf-shaped lateral oral papillae, 2–3x as long as wide, 5 leaf-shaped teeth, larger than the oral papillae with a rounded apex; 2nd oral tentacle pore opens within jaw slit.</p><p>Arms five, to 38 mm, not moniliform, DAPs kite to bell-shaped with a convex margin and convergent lateroproximal sides, separate, distally the DAPs are more triangular, wider than long, with a slightly convex distal edge; LAPs striated with a raised distal edge proximal to the arm spines; First VAP lozenge-shaped, 2x as wide as long, 2nd–3rd VAPs pentagonal with an obtuse proximal angle, convergent laterodistal sides and a truncate distal edge, wider than long, contiguous, succeeding VAPs separate, as wide as long, with an obtuse proximal angle, concave lateral sides and convex distal margin, glassy; up to 12 arm spines, meeting dorsally on basal segments, upper ones smooth hollow, slender, tapering to a sharp point, to 3 segments in length, middle and lower spines develop small sparse thorns, particularly near the spine base, lowest ones slightly bent, bluntly pointed, as long as a segment, distally 6 arm spines, the lowermost 2 are only 1/2 as long as the segment, becoming hook-like with ventrally directed thorns only at the arm tip; one flat rounded tentacle scale, basal ones oval to slightly bent, 2x as long as wide, 1/2 as long as the VAP, becoming leaf-shaped with a pointed thorny tip, 2/3 as long as the VAP. Colour (preserved) disc grey with light brown arms and oral frame, arm and disc spines white, glassy.</p><p>Paratype and other material variations. The largest paratype (NHMUK 2025.35, 7.5 mm dd) has 10 arm spines and little spherical nodules at the end of some of the thorns on the disc spines. A second paratype (MV F321042, 6 mm dd) and the (5–6 mm) Madagascar specimens are similar. On smaller specimens (Atlantis specimen, 4.5 mm dd, and Chargos 3.5 mm), the pedicel and thorns of the disc spinelets are very slender, often trifid, or with these primary thorns bifurcated, the oral papillae number 3 and there are only 8 arm spines basally .</p><p>Paratype ossicles (MV F321042). The DAPs, VAPs and LAPs (Fig 18a–d) can have some distal transverse striations. The ear-like arm spine articulations have a larger ventral and smaller dorsal lobe joined by a central flange. The muscle and neural pores are round and easily distinguished from the surrounding stereom (Fig. 18e). The dental plate (Fig. 18g) is 2.5x as long as wide, with 5 obvious articulations for teeth, the largest ventrally; the teeth are minutely thorny (Fig. 18h); vertebrae zygospondylous, basal vertebrae are as wide as tall (Fig. 18i) with distally orientated ventral muscle attachment surfaces and the distal articulation surface with a triangular shaped epanapophysis sitting dorsal to the wing-like zygapophysis; middle arm vertebrae almost semi-circular with ventrally orientated ventral muscle attachment surfaces and a cruciform distal articulation surface (Fig. 18l), and a proximal articulation surface that looks like ‘scales of justice’ with a long zygosphene and lateral zygocondyles (Fig. 18k); tentacle scales are minute thorny at the tip and can be slightly bent on basal segments (Fig. 18o); lower arm spines are also terminally thorny, middle arm spines can have sparse thorns along their margins (Fig. 18p).</p><p>Distribution. Coral (740 m) and Atlantis (828–994 m) Seamounts, Chargos (483 m), Madagascar (727–1179 m).</p><p>Remarks. The new species is morphologically and genetically similar to Ophiacantha longidens, O. fuscina, and O. linea . They all have thin glassy arm plates, multifid disc spinelets, bell-shaped DAPs, and numerous arm spines. Ophiacantha longidens differs in having shorter simpler disc spinelets, typically with 3 short terminal thorns. Ophiacantha fuscina has 2–4 long slender upwardly curved thorns on the disc spinelets, often webbed at their base. Ophiacantha linea is the most similar to O. swio but differs in having shorter arms, only 3x dd, and strong striations on the LAPs and basal VAPs. It also occurs in much shallower water (50–60 m) off Korea.</p><p>Etymology. Named after the acronym of the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFF5A854FF1AA0255D02F9AF	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFF4A848FF1AA5C55851FE0B.text	3724530AFFF4A848FF1AA5C55851FE0B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiosabine multifida O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophiosabine multifida sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 3856120E-E062-47A4-9C4C-8D46B2930B04</p><p>Fig. 16h–j, 17</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.658´S, 57° 16.371´E to 32° 42.64´S, 57° 17.58´E, 707 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 8-3, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.658´S, 57° 16.371´E to 32° 42.64´S, 57° 17.58´E, 707 m, 9/12/2011, holotype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.50); paratype: 1 (MV F321041) (DNA code= JC066-3612); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.49); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.48); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.47); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.51); paratype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.52) .</p><p>OTHER STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-37, Coral seamount, 41° 21.7673´S, 42° 54.9067´E to 41° 22.4´S, 42° 54.6´E, 740 m, 20/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.46) (DNA code= JC066-1252). — JC066: stn 8-4, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.43´S, 57° 16.48´E to 32° 42.17´S, 57° 14.42´E, 800 m, 10/12/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.53) (DNA code= JC066-4303). — JC066: stn 8-5, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.862´S, 57° 14.666´E to 32° 43.3´S, 57° 15.2´E, 828– 994 m, 10/12/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.54) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiosabine acanthinotata (H.L. Clark, 1911): <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=139.56769&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=35.1114" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 139.56769/lat 35.1114)">Rinkai</a> /120110(D-105)st1, Sagami Bay, 35° 6.101´N, 139° 34.284´E to 35° 6.684´N, 139° 34.061´E, 218–318 m, 10/11/2012 , NSMT E11758 (DNA code= Sagami 13). Ophiosabine densispina (Mortensen, 1936): PBBB / L84, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-59.68928&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-54.8103" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -59.68928/lat -54.8103)">Burwood Bank</a>, 54° 48.468´S, 59° 40.945´W to 54° 48.618´S, 59° 41.357´W, 694–727 m, 27/8/2018 , CNP-INV (DNA code= BB16-2 A). Ophiosabine pentactis (Mortensen, 1936): US AMLR-09/101-76, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-52.445667&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-63.017834" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -52.445667/lat -63.017834)">South</a> Orkney Islands, 63° 1.09´S, 52° 21.94´W to 63° 1.07´S, 52° 26.74´W, 628– 627 m, 4/3/2009 , MV F168830 (DNA code=F168830). Ophiosabine rosea truncata (Koehler, 1930): TAN0308/85, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=162.6765&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-34.2315" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 162.6765/lat -34.2315)">Lord Howe</a> plateau, 34° 13.89´S, 162° 40.59´E, 515–700 m, 26/5/2003 , MV F99721 (DNA code= F99721). Ophiosabine sp. MoV.5491 SS02/2007/77, Cascade 1200m 5, 43° 55.406´S, 150° 27.889´E to 43° 55.778´S, 150° 28.352´E, 590–660 m, 10/4/2007, MV F146270 (DNA code= MVF146270). Ophiosabine vivipara (Ljungman, 1870): ICEFISH/18-OT14, Falkland Islands, 52° 7.07´S, 58° 4.37´W to 52° 9´S, 58° 6.07´W, 82–104 m, 28/5/2004 , MV F167535 (DNA code=F167535) .</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc covered in dense multifid spinelets with a round pedicel, waisted stalk and&gt;10 divergent apical thorns. Oral shields wider than long but with rounded distal margin, trapezoid adoral shields occur proximal to oral shields, 4–5 oral papillae. Arms 5, DAPs triangular separate, VAPs wider than long, separate, to 10 arm spines, uppermost to smooth to 4 segments in length, lower ones with a few basal thorns, one ovate tentacle scale, to ½ the segment in length.</p><p>Description. Holotype 7.5 mm dd, disc pentagonal, covered in dense multifid spinelets that obscure the underlying scales, radial shields to 1/4 dd, distal section naked (without spinelets), spinelets with a round pedicel, waisted stalk and&gt;10 divergent apical thorns, spinelets reduced to a conical stump near oral shield. Bursal slit open, extending from oral shield to near disc margin. Oral shields wider than long, with an obtuse angle proximally, straight laterodistal edges and a rounded to truncate distal side. Adoral shields proximal to oral shield, 2x wider than long, trapezoid, with shorter distal edge, contiguous interradially with neighbouring adoral, and radially with first ventral arm plate. Jaw as wide as long, bearing 4–5 oral papillae along each side, inner papillae spiniform to narrowly lanceolate, distal ones more thickened mid-height with a constricted base and bluntly pointed apex, 2nd papillae often the largest. Teeth 2x as long as wide, with a rounded proximal edge, up to 8 in a vertical series, the dorsalmost one often narrower.</p><p>Arms five, 7x dd (55+ mm), broadly triangular in cross section, with a narrow rounded dorsal surface and flat widened ventral surface. DAPs 1/2 as wide as arm, triangular-shaped with straight to slightly convex distal edge, glassy, separate. LAPS widened under arm ridge (arms not moniliform), meet dorsally and ventrally after the 3rd arm segment. 1st VAP wider than long but much smaller than succeeding plates, succeeding VAPs 1.5x as wide as long, 1/2 width of the arm segment, with obtuse proximal sides, incised lateral edges (around pore), and convex distal edge, glass-like or transversely striated, just separated. Up to 10 arm spines, that almost meet dorsally on proximal segments, upper spine longest, to 4 segments (2.5 mm) long, smooth, hollow, bluntly pointed; middle ones 1/2 as long as upper spines, with a few thorns at their base; lowest spines narrow to sabre-shaped, to one segment (0.7 mm) long, distally developing a terminal proximal-orientated hook-like thorn. Tentacle scale single, elliptical to ovate, 1/2 as long as the ventral arm plate, becoming narrower distally. Colour (preserved): white with pale-grey disc, some brown shading on oral/adoral shields, oral papillae, and around the base of lower proximal arm spines.</p><p>Non type variations. Disc to 9 mm dd (NHMUK 2025.46), arms 6+ times dd. Radial shields can be prominent white lines on disc, naked for their entire extent. Some distal oral papillae have a longitudinal groove and/or a truncate tip (MV F321041). Oral shields can be depressed in the centre (NHMUK 2025.53) or almost as long as wide with a minor distal lobe.</p><p>Paratype ossicles MV F321041. Vertebrae zygospondylous with a long narrow zygosphene (Fig. 17a). The external stereom of the LAP is dense proximally, with fine perforations orientated into vertical striations; distally (around the spine articulations) it is more open and regularly perforated (Fig. 17f). Spine articulations (Fig. 17g) are freestanding in a continuous vertical row on a raised distal portion of the LAP, ear-shaped, composed of a thicker dorsal and thinner ventral lobe, just merged proximally, enclosing a large round muscle opening and a smaller slit-like nerve opening. Disc plates irregular with flat perforated sections and peripheral thorny extensions (Fig. 17h). Disc spinelets with a perforated pedicel, constricted shank and&gt;=10 divergent apical thorns, 1/3 as long as the spinelet (Fig. 17i). Oral plate almost as high as long, proximal and distal sections strongly fused together (Fig. 17j). Radial shield hockey-stick shaped, with a distal lobe (Fig. 17m).</p><p>Distribution. SW Indian Ridge (707–994 m).</p><p>Remarks. This species is reminiscent of the holotype of Ophiacantha parcita Koehler, 1906 found off Cape Verde Islands in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean at 633– 598 m depth. Both have dense spinelets with a smooth shank and multiple divergent thorns, adoral shields that are situated proximal to the oral shields, striated VAPs, blunt hollow arm spines, the lowermost slightly curved, and oval tentacle scales. But O. parcita differs in having shorter fewer thorns on disc spinelets, longer oral shields with a distinct distal lobe, thicker adoral shields, and only 3 oral papillae. O’Hara &amp; Thuy (2022) included O. parcita and the similar O. notata (Koehler, 1906) in their new genus Ophiosabine . We do not have DNA sequences of O. parcita or O. notata, however, genetic sequences of this new species are sister to the main Ophiosabine clade. Ophiosabine multifida and O. parcita have oral shields that are as wide or wider than long (especially proximally), whereas they are notably longer than wide in other species.</p><p>All three DNA samples of O. multifida are very similar, indicating the same species occurs on both Coral Seamount and Atlantis Bank on the SW Indian Ocean Ridge.</p><p>Etymology. Meaning multiply-divided (Latin, feminine), in reference to the numerous divergent thorns on the disc spines.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFF4A848FF1AA5C55851FE0B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFEFA84EFF1AA3F059AEFAF7.text	3724530AFFEFA84EFF1AA3F059AEFAF7.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiolimna gyrei O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophiolimna gyrei sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 96E04FAF-011A-4873-B889-0D21FDB8CC2A</p><p>Fig. 21a–f, 22</p><p>? Ophiolimna bairdii . — O’Hara &amp; Thuy, 2022: 28, fig. 6g –h.</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Coral seamount, 41° 20.708´S, 42° 55.292´E to 41° 20.99´S, 42° 55.12´E, 1300 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-2, Coral seamount, 41° 20.708´S, 42° 55.292´E to 41° 20.99´S, 42° 55.12´E, 1300 m, 12/11/2011, holotype: 1 (NHMUK 2025.43); paratypes: 6 (NHMUK 2025.44) (DNA code= JC066-3438); paratype: 1 (MV F321043) .</p><p>OTHER STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-9, Coral seamount, 41° 21.0283´S, 42° 55.145´E to 41° 21.7´S, 42° 54.8´E, 1100 m, 14/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.45) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiolimna gyrei SS 01/2008/25, Huon seamounts, 44° 16.6296´S, 147° 15.9498´E, 900 m, 17/1/2008, MV F159772 (DNA code=F159772). SS10/2005/44, Albany, 35° 26.046´S, 118° 21´E to 35° 26.244´S, 118° 21.06´E, 900–915 m, 25/11/2005, MV F112108 (DNA code=F112108). TN228/J2-385-002, Z27 Seamount, Huon, 44° 14.623´S, 147° 7.339´E, 1184 m, 21/12/2008, MV F168122 (DNA code=MVF168122). Ophiolimna antarctica (Lyman, 1879): CEAMARC/29EV59, Eastern Antarctica, 66° 0.478´S, 143° 18.915´E to 65° 58.594´S, 143° 23.255´E, 452–480 m, 24/12/2007, MNHN IE.2009.6359 (DNA code=IE.2009.6359). IN2015_E02/021, Huon Commonwealth Marine Reserve, 44° 19.35´S, 147° 19´E to 44° 19.17´S, 147° 18.47´E, 2028 m, 11/4/2015, MV F227354 (DNA code=F227354). Talud Continental 1/11, Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon, 37° 59.258´S, 54° 41.436´W, 854 m, 11/8/2012, CNP-INV (DNA code=L11C2). Ophiolimna bairdi (Lyman, 1883): ME 85- 3/967, South Iceland, Iceland Basin, 60° 2.77´N, 21° 28.5396´W to 60° 2.78´N, 21° 30.0696´W, 2750 m, 29/8/2011, DZMB-HH 58721 (DNA code=DZMB37562C). Ricker/TC2006-012, Cape Scott; West of Cape Scott, 50° 36.45´N, 129° 4.37´W to 50° 35.9´N, 129° 2.3´W, 1847–1867 m, 11/10/2006, RBCM 007-00030-002 (DNA code=RBCM7-30-2). TAN0803/17, Seamount 1 Spastic Spider, Macquarie Ridge. New Zealand EEZ, 48° 32.93´S, 164° 57.75´E to 48° 32.66´S, 164° 58.04´E, 1318–1327 m, 30/3/2008, NIWA 43081 (DNA code=TOH_0349). Ophiolimna perfida (Koehler, 1904): ATIMO VATAE/CP3595, Sud Pointe Barrow, 25° 35´S, 44° 15´E, 821–910 m, 12/5/2010, MNHN IE.2007.4348 (DNA code=TOH274-IE.2007.4348). IN2022_V09/106, Gascoyne Marine Park. Site:031, 22° 11.766´S, 113° 38.9403´E to 22° 12.608´S, 113° 38.4044´E, 712–730 m, 7/12/2022, MV F309523 (DNA code=F309523). Ophiolimna placentigera (Lyman, 1880): KANADEEP2/CP5060, Slope, 22° 15.6432´S, 167° 37.5174´E, 2018–2065 m, 22/9/2019, MNHN IE.2019.3146 (DNA code=IE.2019.3146). Ophiolimna sp. MoV.7379 BIOPAPUA/CP3672, Nord de Rabaul, 4° 4´S, 151° 50´E, 702–724 m, 24/9/2010, MNHN IE.2023.4067 (DNA code=BP26).</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc covered in dense spherical to conical granules with a few longer spines in the centre of the disc, radial shields hidden. Disc granules present on oral frame, 4 oral papillae, distal papilla small and round, oral shields triangular. Five arms, DAPs triangular and separated, LAPs striated but arms not moniliform, VAPs axe-head shaped, separate, striated, 4 smooth hollow arm spines, upper to 2 segments in length, with a flattened ventral side, one oval tentacle scale.</p><p>Description. Holotype 4 mm dd, disc covered in very thin irregular scales which are in turn covered by dense round to conical granules, interspersed with taller sharp spines on the central part of the dorsal disc, 4x as high as wide, radial shields hidden by granules, 4x as long as wide, bar-like with slightly expanded distal section, separate; ventral granules smaller than dorsal, genital slits wide, extending from the oral shields to disc margin, disc granules also covering the oral frame except for a small naked patch in the centre of the oral shields; 4 round oral papillae, inner 2x higher than wide, some pointed, distal ones as high as wide, round, separate; 3 pointed teeth, upper two can be horizontally offset from each other, widest at mid-height, 2x as large as oral papillae, 2nd oral tentacle pore opening inside of slit between the distal two oral papillae.</p><p>Arms five, DAPs triangular, 2x as wide as long, widely separated, a few disc granules on the basal plate; LAPs with a notable spine flange, but arms not moniliform, vertically striated, widely contiguous dorsally and ventrally, ventral side constricted thus forming the proximal angle of the VAPs; first VAP obscured by granules, 2nd VAP roughly rhomboid, with wider straight to slightly convex distal edge, incised lateral sides (for pore) and with a very obtuse angle proximally, 3rd VAP axe-head shaped, wider than 2nd, all VAPs widely separate, transversely striated; 4 arm spines, hollow, semi-circular in cross section, with a tapering bluntly pointed apex, microscopically perforated and furrowed near tip, basal dorsalmost one to 2 segments in length, lower ones 1–1.5 segments long, distal arm spines not hooked; one oval tentacle scale, 2x as long as wide, just shorter than the VAP, thin and glassy, longitudinally striated, orientated distolaterally, becoming more pointed after the first few segments. Colour (preserved) pale brown, arm spines with dark patch near base.</p><p>Paratypes 2–4 mm dd, disc spines continue to near margin one some specimens, one paratype has 5 arm spines on 2nd free arm segment. Ventral granules were removed from one paratype which revealed triangular oral shields, as wide as long, roughly triangular adoral shields, expanded distally, meeting proximally at interradius, and small rhomboid first VAP, widest proximally at end of jaw slit. Other material: F112108 (5 mm dd) has 5 arm spines on the first 2 free segments, the upper one is thickened as well as longer; lacking tall disc spines, but having elongated granules, distal oral papilla can be a little widened but not scale-like.</p><p>Paratype ossicles, LAPs (Fig. 22a–c) squarish in lateral view and curved over and under arm to meet centrally, with external vertical striations, often bordered by a row of minute thorns, wavy distal margin, more open stereom near arm spines, with large prominent ear-shaped arm spine articulations, with expanded curved distal lobe and smaller ridge-like ventral lobe, with large central muscle attachment and smaller distal nerve pore; vertebrae semi-circular in cross section (Fig. 22h–i) with spindle-shaped ventral groove outlined by ridges, vertebrae wider proximally than distally, zygospondylous articulation, v-shaped processes on the dorsal surface; DAPs (Fig. 22d) and VAPs (Fig. 22e) with similar transverse striations to LAPs, arm spines semi-cylindrical with ventral side flattened perforated and grooved apically (Fig. 22r, left), and the curved side transversely striated (Fig. 22r, right), a few thorns apically; disc spines conical with thorny striations and relatively few perforations; oral plate complex 2x as long as tall; dental plate small and oblong, with 3 tooth articulations.</p><p>Distribution. S Australia (900–1184 m), Coral seamount (1100–1300 m)</p><p>Remarks. DNA evidence (Fig. 2b) indicates the Coral seamount specimens are part of a lineage that is divergent from other Ophiolimna species known from the Southern Ocean including O. antarctica and O. bairdi . This new lineage also occurs off Southern Australia, and possibly around the Amsterdam and St Paul Islands (O’Hara &amp; Thuy 2022). The Coral seamount specimens appear to differ from O. antarctica and O. bairdi by having asymmetrical arm spines that have a flattened ventral edge, being more densely granulated on oral and adoral shields, and having small rounded distal oral papillae. Ophiolimna antarctica is further differentiated by lacking spines on the disc surface. Larger specimens (to 10 mm dd) of O. antarctica and O. bairdi can have up to 7 arm spines. Specimens from the tropical Indo-Pacific (e.g. BP26, and O’Hara &amp; Stöhr 2006) are another undescribed species ( Ophiolimna sp. MoV.7379, see O’Hara &amp; Thuy 2022).</p><p>Etymology. Named after the South Indian Gyre that transports ophiuroid larvae eastward across the Indian Ocean.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFEFA84EFF1AA3F059AEFAF7	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFEEA84DFF1AA62A5DFBFF07.text	3724530AFFEEA84DFF1AA62A5DFBFF07.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiomitrella nudextrema (H. L. Clark 1939)	<div><p>Ophiomitrella nudextrema (H.L. Clark, 1939)</p><p>Ophiacantha nudextrema Clark, H.L., 1939: 44–45, fig. 6.</p><p>Ophiomitrella nudextrema . — O’Hara &amp; Stöhr, 2006: 126, fig. 18q.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4881, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 16.87´S, 43° 50.69´E to 33° 16.24´S, 43° 50.0599´E, 377–382 m, 2/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4175) (DNA code= IE.2023.4175) . — MD208: stn DW4890, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 8.7´S, 43° 58.16´E to 33° 8.77´S, 43° 59.13´E, 492–588 m, 4/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1357) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiomitrella nudextrema (H.L. Clark, 1939): <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=72.92067&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=4.7246666" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 72.92067/lat 4.7246666)">John Murray</a> /157, Maldive Is, 4° 43.48´N, 72° 55.24´E to 4° 44´N, 72° 54.18´E, 229 m, 6/4/1934, holotype, NHMUK 1948.5.26.32 . ATIMO VATAE / CP3614, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=45.15&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-26.233334" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 45.15/lat -26.233334)">Sud Cap Sainte Marie</a>, 26° 14´S, 45° 9´E, 250–300 m, 14/5/2010 , MNHN IE.2007.4178 (DNA code= IE.2007.4178). Ophiomitrella tenuis (Koehler, 1904): EBISCO/DW2607, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=158.66667&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-19.55" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 158.66667/lat -19.55)">Plateau des Chesterfield</a>, 19° 33´S, 158° 40.0003´E, 400–413 m, 18/10/2005 , MNHN IE.2013.6313 (DNA code=IE.2013.6313).</p><p>Distribution. Maldives (229 m); Madagascar (250–333 m); Walters Shoal (377–588 m).</p><p>Remarks. The 3 mm dd holotype of this species is characterised by a pentagonal disc; separate broadlytriangular radial shields, with slightly concave sides, naked; disc granules small stumps, centrally becoming trilobed with minute terminal thorns, disc stumps near the marginal interradial midline become lengthened; to 8 short slender arm spines, uppermost to 2 segments in length, lowermost with some thorns; LAPs striated; 3–4 lateral oral papillae; oral shields 2x as wide as long; one oval tentacle scale with a rough tip, to 1/2 segment in length. The MD208 (2–3.5 mm dd) specimens are similar, except the smallest (IE.2016.1357, 2 mm dd) has only one elongated disc stump on the interradial slide of the radial shields. The ATIMO VATAE specimen has some taller disc stumps near the centre of the disc also. This species is sister to Ophiomitrella tenuis from the East Indo-West Pacific.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFEEA84DFF1AA62A5DFBFF07	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFEDA843FF1AA22D58DEFE53.text	3724530AFFEDA843FF1AA22D58DEFE53.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiolebes paulensis	<div><p>Ophiolebes cf. paulensis</p><p>Fig. 20a–c</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-9, Coral seamount, 41° 21.0283´S, 42° 55.145´E to 41° 21.7´S, 42° 54.8´E, 1100 m, 14/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.42) (DNA code= JC066-3862) .</p><p>Description. Disc petaloid, incised interradially, 7 mm dd, disc scales round, thin and perforated, obscured by a layer of skin and spines; disc spines robust sparse, central spines to 0.6 mm long, 3x as long as wide, slightly capitate (due to thicker skin at tip), lateral spines more like slightly elongated granules, absent for most of ventral disc; disc is distorted but triangular distal end to the radial shields appear to be naked,</p><p>Oral shields as long as wide, widest proximally with an obtuse angle, and acute proximolateral angles, rounded distally; adoral shields short and thick, positioned proximal to oral shields, rectangular to rhomboid, 2x as wide as long, fully contiguous interradially, separated radially by VAP1, beaded surface; jaw short and wide, bearing spiniform bluntly pointed teeth and 2 similar-shaped lateral oral papillae, the outer with a slightly roughened tip, 3x as long as wide. Genital slits open from oral shield to disc margin.</p><p>Arms curled under disc, 2x dd; DAPs ovoid, 1.5x longer than wide, widest distally, with rounded margins, separated by a small decalcified section; VAP1 2x as long as wide, slightly widened proximally, separated from VAP2 by LAP1s that meet on the ventral midline, VAP2-5 as long as wide, with a rounded distal margin and acute proximal angle, separated; 3 arm spines on first arm segment, 4 on next 2 segments under the disc, 5 arm spines at beginning of free arm, uppermost longest to 1.5 segments in length, upper 3 spines slightly tapering to a blunt tip, lowest 2 spines slightly capitate (due to thick skin at tip). 0.7x segment in length, distally can be 6 arm spines, all less than a segment long, upper one a little longer, lower arm spines with some thorns but generally hidden by a layer of thick skin; tentacle scales apparently absent (the small basal podia can look like tentacle scales). Colour: pale brown.</p><p>Distribution. Coral Seamount (1100 m).</p><p>Remarks. This species is very similar to O. paulensis O’Hara &amp; Thuy, 2022 from the St Paul /Amsterdam islands. Many of the features that look different are due to preservation (the types were dried). In particular, the capitate disc and lower arm spines on the JC066 specimen is due to thickened skin at the spine tip. However, there are some real differences as well. The types had 3 oral papillae on longer jaws and longer sausage-shaped adoral shields. More material is required to assess the importance of these variations. The South African species Ophiosemnotes corynephora (H.L. Clark, 1923) has superficially similar disc spines but differs in having wide exposed radial shields.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFEDA843FF1AA22D58DEFE53	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFE3A843FF1AA2995CDFF843.text	3724530AFFE3A843FF1AA2995CDFF843.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiomoeris obstricta (Lyman 1878)	<div><p>Ophiomoeris obstricta (Lyman, 1878)</p><p>Ophioceramis (?) obstricta Lyman, 1878: 124–125, pl. 6(164–166). — Lyman, 1882: 26–27, pl. 11(1–3).</p><p>Ophiomoeris obstricta . — Koehler, 1904: 17. — Koehler, 1922a: 38–39, pl. 5(3–4). — O’Hara &amp; Stöhr, 2006: 120–123, fig. 16a– g. — Martynov, 2010b: 124, fig. 7g –h, 13k, 16q, 36e–h. — O’Hara, 2024b: 48, fig. 48.</p><p>Ophiurases obstrictus . — Clark, H.L., 1911: 250–252, fig. 122.</p><p>Ophiomoeris parva Clark, H.L., 1939: 39–41, fig. 4–5 [according to O’Hara &amp; Stöhr, 2006].</p><p>Ophiomoeris cf obstricta . — Stöhr, 2011: 23–24, fig. 8c–e.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4882, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 16.67´S, 43° 50.4899´E to 33° 16.03´S, 43° 49.84´E, 371–399 m, 2/5/2017: 6 (MNHN IE.2023.4159) (DNA code= IE.2023.4159) . — MD208: stn DW4885, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 16.68´S, 43° 54.18´E to 33° 16.61´S, 43° 54.9301´E, 272–380 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1361) . — MD208: stn DW4887, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 17.23´S, 43° 55.44´E to 33° 16.98´S, 43° 56.6899´E, 599–640 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1366) . — MD208: stn DW4896, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 7.24´S, 43° 50.3199´E to 33° 6.71´S, 43° 50.8099´E, 325–357 m, 5/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2013.17158) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiomoeris exuta Stöhr, 2011: EXBODI/CP3848, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=168.69333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-22.058332" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 168.69333/lat -22.058332)">Banc Durand</a>, 22° 3.5´S, 168° 41.6´E, 430–440 m, 13/9/2011 , MNHN IE.2023.4007 (DNA code=CP3848). Ophiomoeris obstricta (Lyman, 1878): BIOPAPUA/CP3737, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=150.75&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-8.25" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 150.75/lat -8.25)">Au</a> large des îles et récifs Lancasay, 8° 15´S, 150° 45´E, 587 m, 9/10/2010 , MNHN IE.2007.2936 (DNA code=BP37). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=71.72504&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-5.3186336" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 71.72504/lat -5.3186336)">Chargos</a> /10, Peros Banhos, Ile de Pierre, 5° 19.118´S, 71° 43.502´E, 250 m, 18/10/2022 (DNA code=Chargos.262) . IN2018_ V06 /105, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=146.671&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.0987" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 146.671/lat -44.0987)">Baseline</a> _29, 44° 5.622´S, 146° 41.298´E to 44° 5.922´S, 146° 40.26´E, 541–560 m, 8/12/2018 , MV F267820 (DNA code=F267820). IN2021 _ V04 /5, Christmas Island SE, 10° 34.22´S, 105° 41.376´E to 10° 33.791´S, 105° 41.6358´E, 643–997 m, 6/7/2021, identified by O’Hara (2024b), MV F305517 (DNA code=F305517). MIRIKY/CP3251, au large de <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=45.94267&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-15.409166" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 45.94267/lat -15.409166)">Majumga</a>, 15° 23.16´S, 45° 57.75´E to 15° 24.55´S, 45° 56.5602´E, 609–620 m, 8/7/2009 , MNHN IE.2007.398 (DNA code= IE.2007.398). SAYA / CP5436, SW <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=60.937916&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-11.830033" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 60.937916/lat -11.830033)">Saya de Malha</a>, 11° 49.972´S, 60° 55.632´E to 11° 49.802´S, 60° 56.275´E, 312– 300 m, 16/11/2022 , MNHN IE.2023.4267 (DNA code= IE.2023.4267). TAN1206/99, Site SM3 b, NE of summit, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-36.4428&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=177.8403" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -36.4428/lat 177.8403)">Clark Seamount</a>, Southern Kermadec Ridge, 36° 26.718´S, 177° 50.352´E to 177° 50.418´N, 36° 26.568´W, 850–927 m, 24/4/2012 , MV F188867 (DNA code=02W2Y) .</p><p>Distribution. NW Pacific (50–470 m), W Indian Ocean (202–1206 m), E Indo-W Pacific (35–1901 m), S America (180–471 m), S Africa (272–640 m), S Australia (145–877 m), New Zealand (146–1190 m), Walters Shoal (272–640 m).</p><p>Remarks. O’Hara &amp; Stöhr (2006) synonymised several Indo-Pacific species of Ophiomoeris as their diagnostic characters overlapped. However, subsequent DNA data has revealed much sequence variation within this complex and it is likely that cryptic species are present. The sequenced MD208 sample clusters with a sample from the Saya de Malha Bank, however, specimens from Madagascar and Chargos are distinct and the geographic and bathymetric range of these lineages are unclear. In the interim we continue to use the name Ophiomoeris obstricta for the complex.</p><p>The current specimens (to 3.2 mm dd) can have rounded granules on the disc, between the proximal ends of the radial shields and sometimes in the centre of the disc. There are 5–6 arm spines, the upper longest, to longer than a segment, and meet dorsally on the first free segment. The radial shields are separated distally by a triangular plate. Although, the upper arm spine is longer than the others on these specimens, they do not reach the length (3x segment length) shown in the type series of O. parva H.L. Clark, 1939 from the Maldives, which also lacked disc granules.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFE3A843FF1AA2995CDFF843	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFE1A841FF1AA0F35C4AF887.text	3724530AFFE1A841FF1AA0F35C4AF887.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Breviturma pusilla (Brock 1888)	<div><p>Breviturma pusilla (Brock, 1888)</p><p>Fig. 23</p><p>Ophiomastix pusilla Brock, 1888: 499–500 . — Koehler, 1905: 65, pl. 6(6–10), 13(3).</p><p>Ophiocoma pusilla . — Clark, H.L., 1921: 131. — Devaney, 1970: 25–28, fig. 26, 29. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Rowe, 1971: 86–87,. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 174, fig. 190. — Clark, A.M., 1976: 259–260. — Cherbonnier &amp; Guille, 1978: 173– 174, pl. 11(3–4). — Sloan, Clark &amp; Taylor, 1979: 106. — Clark, A.M., 1980: 544. — Price &amp; Rowe, 1996: 77. — Stöhr, 2011: 36–38, fig. 17l–m.</p><p>Ophiocoma aegyptica Soliman, 1991: 81–86, fig. 2–6 [according to Olbers &amp; Samyn, 2012].</p><p>Breviturma pusilla . — O’Hara et al., 2019a: 74. — Olbers et al. 2019: 169–171, fig. 162–163.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn WS03, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.846966&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.204166" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.846966/lat -33.204166)">Sud-Ouest</a>, 33° 12.25´S, 43° 50.818´E, 40 m, 30/4/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1340) (DNA code= IE.2016.1340) . — MD208: stn WB05, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.908566&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.252" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.908566/lat -33.252)">Sud</a>, 33° 15.12´S, 43° 54.514´E, 26–30 m, 1/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4162) . — MD208: stn WB09, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.929585&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.22945" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.929585/lat -33.22945)">Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest</a>, 33° 13.767´S, 43° 55.7751´E, 27–30 m, 4/5/2017: 8 (MNHN IE.2023.4165), 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1351) . — MD208: stn WB10, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.86323&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.152184" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.86323/lat -33.152184)">Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest</a>, 33° 9.131´S, 43° 51.7939´E, 30 m, 6/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2016.1352) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Breviturma pusilla (Brock, 1888): BIOLUM/18, Lizard Is, Coconut Beach, 14° 40.8´S, 145° 28.5´E, 2–5 m, 25/10/2005 , MV F109823 (DNA code=F109823) . SAYA / YB01, NE Saya de Malha, 10° 22.75´S, 62° 7.75´E, 24 m, 10/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4347 (DNA code=IE.2023.4347).</p><p>Distribution. W Indian Ocean (0–70 m), E Indo-W Pacific (0–120 m), S Africa (11–20 m), Lord Howe Island (4–21 m), Walters Shoal (26–40 m).</p><p>Remarks. These diminutive specimens (maximum 7 mm dd) are identifiable as B. pusilla, having relatively narrow dorsal arm plates, hollow non-alternating arm spines, 3–4 oral papillae and lacking granules near the radial shields (Devaney 1970). The single Indo-Pacific DNA sample we have sequenced is sister to both Indian Ocean samples. Sibling species are common across the Indian Ocean, including in the Ophiocomidae (Boissin et al. 2017; O’Hara et al. 2019a), but more samples are required before species boundaries can be defined in this instance. The name B. aegyptica (type locality Red Sea) is available if all Indian Ocean specimens prove to be conspecific. Breviturma pusilla is a shallow water species and historical records below 100 m need to be verified.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFE1A841FF1AA0F35C4AF887	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFE1A841FF1AA3F059A8FD05.text	3724530AFFE1A841FF1AA3F059A8FD05.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiosemnotes conferta (Koehler 1922)	<div><p>Ophiosemnotes conferta (Koehler, 1922)</p><p>Fig. 20d–f</p><p>Ophioripa conferta Koehler, 1922b: 19–21, pl. 85(9–13). — Rowe &amp; Pawson, 1977: 350.</p><p>Ophiomitrella falklandica Mortensen, 1936: 256–259, figs 8c–d, pl. 7(5) [according to O’Hara, 1990].</p><p>Ophiomitrella conferta . — Madsen, 1967: 127. — O’Hara, 1990: 299–300, fig. 2c–d, f–g. — O’Hara &amp; Stöhr, 2006: 90–92, fig. 10f–h, 18n–o.</p><p>Ophiosemnotes conferta . — O’Hara &amp; Thuy, 2022: 20, fig. 7a–b.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-2, Coral seamount, 41° 20.708´S, 42° 55.292´E to 41° 20.99´S, 42° 55.12´E, 1300 m, 12/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.55) .</p><p>Distribution. E Indo-W Pacific (480–1019 m), S America (79–1738 m), Kerguelen (247– 247 m), S Australia (640–2340 m), New Zealand (27–1365 m), Antarctica (74–835 m), St Paul/Amsterdam Is (420–1680 m), Coral seamount (1300 m).</p><p>Remarks. This specimen is small (2.5 mm dd) and we were unable to obtain a DNA sequence. The radial shields are contiguous distally, it has the classic robust stumps of this species, 4 arm spines, the upper longest, and 3–4 oral papillae. Ophiosemnotes conferta is a brooder and it is likely to contain cryptic species (O’Hara &amp; Thuy 2022).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFE1A841FF1AA3F059A8FD05	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFE0A847FF1AA43A5CDDFA63.text	3724530AFFE0A847FF1AA43A5CDDFA63.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiocypris tuberculosus	<div><p>Ophiocypris cf. tuberculosus</p><p>Fig. 21g –h</p><p>Ophiocypris sp. — Guille &amp; Vadon, 1986: 175, pl. 1(5–6). STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4887, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 17.23´S, 43° 55.44´E to 33° 16.98´S, 43° 56.6899´E, 599–640 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1365). — MD208: stn DW4891, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 10.8´S, 44° 0.97´E to 33° 11.59´S, 44° 0.97´E, 650–653 m, 4/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1354). — MD208: stn CP4903, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 10.78´S, 44° 0.1499´E to 33° 11.44´S, 44° 0.6601´E, 620–642 m, 7/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2013.17135) (DNA code= IE.2013.17135) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiocypris cf. tuberculosus MIRIKY /DW3179, entre Nosy-bé et Banc du Leven, 12° 57.96´S, 48° 9.4302´E to 12° 59.09´S, 48° 9.4698´E, 362– 220 m, 25/6/2009 , MNHN IE.2007.1218 (DNA code= IE.2007.1218-2). SAYA / DW5430, SW <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=61.1593&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-11.77265" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 61.1593/lat -11.77265)">Saya de Malha</a>, 11° 46.521´S, 61° 9.254´E to 11° 46.359´S, 61° 9.558´E, 267– 265 m, 15/11/2022 , MNHN IE.2023.4213 (DNA code= IE.2023.4213). Ophiocypris megaloplax (Mortensen, 1936): TAN0308/154, West Norfolk Ridge, Wanganella Bank, 34° 37.2´S, 168° 57.03´E to 34° 37.683´S, 168° 58.1´E, 521–539 m, 3/6/2003 , MV F101790. Ophiocypris tuberculosus Koehler, 1930: Rinkai /120110(D-105)st1, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=139.56769&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=35.1114" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 139.56769/lat 35.1114)">Sagami Bay</a>, 35° 6.101´N, 139° 34.284´E to 35° 6.684´N, 139° 34.061´E, 218–318 m, 10/11/2012 , NSMT E11798 (DNA code= Sagami 8). TAN0308/43, North Norfolk Ridge, 26° 25.94´S, 167° 10.87´E to 26° 26´S, 167° 9.63´E, 750–774 m, 18/5/2003, MV F99771. TAN1206/90, Site SM2 ac, Whakatane Seamount, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-36.79&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=177.456" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -36.79/lat 177.456)">Southern Kermadec Ridge</a>, 36° 47.37´S, 177° 27.252´E to 177° 27.36´N, 36° 47.4´W, 1160– 1155 m, 23/4/2012 , MV F193426 (DNA code=02VA4) .</p><p>Distribution. W Indian Ocean (220–362 m), S Africa (599–653 m), Walters Shoal (599–653 m).</p><p>Remarks. The size of the MD 208 specimens is 3.3 (IE.2016.1354), 8.5 (IE.2016.1365) and 10 mm dd (IE.2013.17135). The arms on specimen IE.2016.1365 are almost entire, extending 3.5x dd. The oral shields are broken into proximal and distal halves (Fig. 21h), characteristic of the genus Ophiocypris . There are 3, rarely 4, very short arm spines. The disc is covered with coarse polygonal multicoloured plates that are covered in some nodules (Fig. 21g). This is characteristic of the species O. tuberculosus . However, as Guille &amp; Vadon (1986) have observed, SWIO specimens differ a little from the Indonesian types. On the figured 9 mm holotype, the disc tubercles are small and quite dense, with up to 20 on larger plates. There are even more on the radial shields, where the outer ones form 1–2 regular rings of granules. This is similar to specimens from the Tasman Sea (MV F99771), where they measure 0.1 mm in diameter. On the SWIO specimens they are much fewer (to 8) and larger (to 0.2 mm) on the disc plates, although smaller on the radial shields. The SWIO specimens have only one elongate tentacle scale that sits in a notch between the LAP and VAP, whereas the type is described as having two. However, that is possibly a mistake, as the Tasman Sea animals also have one. Unfortunately, the photo of the type is unclear here and we have not physically examined any types. Until specimens from Indonesia are examined or sequenced, we refrain from describing the SWIO specimens as a new species.</p><p>The disc plates nodules are less obvious on the smallest SWIO specimens which also have only 2 arm spines on many segments. This approximates the other Ophiocrypis species O. megaloplax which has flat disc plates, 2 arm spines and one tentacle scale. The type of this New Zealand species is also small (3 mm dd), and this opens up the possibility that O. megaloplax is the juvenile stage of O. tuberculosus . However, the arms are also very short, up to 2x dd, whereas O. tuberculatus has much longer arms, over 3x dd, and we maintain them here as separate species.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFE0A847FF1AA43A5CDDFA63	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFE7A846FF1AA54D5DB6FB83.text	3724530AFFE7A846FF1AA54D5DB6FB83.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophioconis cupida Koehler 1905	<div><p>Ophioconis cupida Koehler, 1905</p><p>Ophioconis cupida Koehler, 1905: 15–16, pl. 1(19–20). — Clark, A.M. &amp; Rowe, 1971: 88–89, 127, pl. 21(4). — Cherbonnier &amp; Guille, 1978: 222–223, pl. 16(3–4). — Stöhr et al., 2008: 556. — Olbers et al., 2015: 105–107, pl. 7C–D. — Olbers et al. 2019: 157–158, fig. 148–149.</p><p>Ophiurodon cupida . — Matsumoto, 1915: 85. — Matsumoto, 1917: 315. — Clark, H.L., 1918: 332–333.</p><p>Ophiurodon cupidum . — Clark, H.L., 1939: 95–96.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4881, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 16.87´S, 43° 50.69´E to 33° 16.24´S, 43° 50.0599´E, 377–382 m, 2/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4169) . — MD208: stn DW4885, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 16.68´S, 43° 54.18´E to 33° 16.61´S, 43° 54.9301´E, 272–380 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4161) (DNA code= IE.2023.4161) . — MD208: stn DW4889, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 9.7´S, 43° 57.1099´E to 33° 9.12´S, 43° 57.9899´E, 353–465 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4008) . — MD208: stn DW4890, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 8.7´S, 43° 58.16´E to 33° 8.77´S, 43° 59.13´E, 492–588 m, 4/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1356) (DNA code= IE.2013.1356) . — MD208: stn DW4896, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 7.24´S, 43° 50.3199´E to 33° 6.71´S, 43° 50.8099´E, 325–357 m, 5/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1063) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophioconis cupida Koehler, 1905: SAYA / DW5423, SE Saya de Malha, 11° 26.777´S, 62° 0.864´E to 11° 27.116´S, 62° 0.771´E, 210– 198 m, 12/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4223 (DNA code= IE.2023.4223). Ophioconis forbesi (Heller, 1862): MIWA/2012404 -SL34, 25° 41.436´N, 15° 10.944´W, 111 m, 20/6/2012, ZMBN 99236 (DNA code= ZMBN _99236). Ophioconis opacum (H.L. Clark, 1928): SS10/2005/35, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=118.65&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-35.1875" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 118.65/lat -35.1875)">Bald Island</a>, 35° 11.442´S, 118° 38.7´E to 35° 11.25´S, 118° 39´E, 157– 147 m, 24/11/2005 , MV F111582 (DNA code=F111582). Ophioconis permixta Koehler, 1905: IN2022 _ V09 /150, Site:044, 23° 54.934´S, 113° 5.7412´E to 23° 55.346´S, 113° 5.6486´E, 105– 104 m, 13/12/2022, MV F309538 (DNA code=F309538) . SAYA / YB01, NE Saya de Malha, 10° 22.75´S, 62° 7.75´E, 24 m, 10/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4349 (DNA code= IE.2022.4349). SOL 5117/025BS020, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=129.66713&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-10.429883" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 129.66713/lat -10.429883)">Bonaparte</a> Gulf, 10° 25.762´S, 129° 40.023´E to 10° 25.793´S, 129° 40.028´E, 74.8–75.1 m, 8/8/2010 , MV F173903 (DNA code=F173903). Ophioconis vivipara Mortensen, 1925: MIWA/2011410 -SL33, 22° 5.508´N, 17° 23.358´W, 106 m, 20/11/2011, ZMBN 99234 (DNA code= ZMBN 99234) .</p><p>Distribution. NW Pacific (140 m), W Indian Ocean (10–310 m), E Indo-W Pacific (2–485 m), Walters Shoal (272–588 m)</p><p>Remarks. The five Walters Shoal specimens measure 1.5 to 5 mm dd. They are characterised by an even covering of granules over the disc, including over the oral and adoral shields, and oral plates; up to 6 flattened spatulate arm spines, the uppermost to just longer than a segment in length; 3–4 small tentacle scales around the basal pores, reducing to 2 rounded glassy scales on most of the arm, the inner being largest; widened glassy denticulate teeth, with 4–5 lateral oral papillae; VAPs that are longer than wide, transversely striated LAPs, and broadly rhomboid DAPs with a convex outer edge, and covered in small dark spots.</p><p>Ophioconis species are hard to distinguish. Ophioconis vivipara differs in having short arm spines, limited to half a segment in length. Ophioconis grandisquama Koehler, 1904 has an elongated inner tentacle scale that exceeds the VAP in length. Ophioconis permixta and O. cincta Brock, 1888 have some disc granules that are extended into small spines, and thinner more pointed arm spines. Ophioconis forbesi, O. opacum, and O. cupida are morphologically similar to the SWIO specimens, but DNA sequences of the first two species are divergent from the SWIO samples. Consequently, material from the Western Indian Ocean is tentatively referred to O. cupida until these DNA sequences can be compared to samples obtained from near the type locality in Indonesia.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFE7A846FF1AA54D5DB6FB83	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFE6A844FF1AA7A15D4CF98B.text	3724530AFFE6A844FF1AA7A15D4CF98B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiomyxa pedicula O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophiomyxa pedicula sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: D2498578-F5D3-473E-B1AF-48EBA3AAC7D9</p><p>Fig. 24d–g, 25f–j</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 8.7´S, 43° 58.16´E to 33° 8.77´S, 43° 59.13´E, 492–588 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4890, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 8.7´S, 43° 58.16´E to 33° 8.77´S, 43° 59.13´E, 492–588 m, 4/5/2017, holotype: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1062) (DNA code= IE.2016.1062) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiomyxa pedicula SAYA /DW5411, N <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=60.759483&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-9.829317" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 60.759483/lat -9.829317)">Saya de Malha</a>, 9° 49.812´S, 60° 45.455´E to 9° 49.759´S, 60° 45.569´E, 216– 192 m, 7/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4245 (DNA code= IE.2023.4245). Ophiostiba sp. MoV.7274 SOL 5117/044BS026, Bonaparte Gulf, 10° 27.123´S, 129° 31.439´E to 10° 27.144´S, 129° 31.476´E, 55.2–55.7 m, 16/8/2010 , MV F173909 (DNA code=F173909) .</p><p>Diagnosis. Disc covered in a thick pulpy skin, no marginal row of disc plates, short (2 arm segments long) genital slits, 3 flattened oral papillae with a denticulate margin, Five arms, arms and spines covered in thick skin, 1 (sometimes 2) thin ovoid fenestrated DAPs on each segment, VAPs longer than wide, with prominent distal notch and distolateral ‘wings’, 2–3 arm spines on each side, alternating on different segments, less than a segment in length, with lateral thorns, no tentacle scale, but tube feet strengthened by a pair of elongate plates.</p><p>Description. Holotype 10 mm dd, arms 40+ mm long; disc pentagonal, covered in a thick pulpy skin that obscures any embedded plates, radial shields apparently bar-like widely separate, no discernible series of margin plates between radial shields; genital slits short, 2 arm segments long; Oral shields rounded triangular, with a slightly convex distal edge and rounded angles, wider than long, adoral shields long and thin, extending around the lateral angles of the oral shields, meeting interradially, separated radially by the small 1st VAP; 5 teeth, thin with a denticulate glassy edge, ventral 4 are rounded, dorsalmost (inner) tooth longer and spatulate; 3 oral papillae, wide, with a rounded to truncate outer edge, also finely denticulate and glassy; both pairs of oral tentacles emerge within slit.</p><p>Five arms, arms and spines covered in thick skin, DAPs thin and fenestrated, in 1–2 pieces, ovoid to irregular in shape, just separated, sometimes appear to be split at mid-length (but this could be an artefact), do not hide the dorsal wings of the underlying vertebrae; LAPs ventrolateral, ventral flanges meet on the midline, plate longer where the arm spines articulations are present; overlain and separated longitudinally by the VAPs; VAPs longer than wide, with prominent distolateral ‘wings’ with pointed distal angles, distal margin deeply v-shaped, rounded proximolaterally around the tube foot, with an obtuse angle proximally, widest just distal to the tentacle pores; one arm spine on first 2 segments, 2 on next 2 segments, 2–3 arm spines on succeeding proximal segments, alternating on successive segments, then becoming regularly 3 spines from mid-arm, uppermost longest, less than a segment in length, proximal arm spines with thorns, distal arm spines more hook-like with 2 teeth and a wide opaque pedicel; no tentacle scales, but tube feet strengthened by a pair of elongate plates on either side. Colour pale with some remnant darker markings on the dorsal side of the arm, perhaps indicating some banding when alive.</p><p>Ossicles. Arm spine articulations round to oval with a central muscle perforation and a smaller ventrodistal nerve opening; arm spines when stripped of skin have a large vase-shaped opaque basal pedicel, supporting a glassy ridged spine, with notable denticulations on the ventral and to a lesser extent dorsal side of the upper half of the spine. Vertebrae zygospondylous, with large muscle fossae dorsolaterally, and a groove along the dorsal midline that can be seen under the DAPs.</p><p>Distribution. Walters Shoal (492–588 m), Saya de Malha Bank (192–216 m)</p><p>Remarks.The denticulate oral papillae and teeth clearly identify this species as an Ophiomyxa .The unfragmented DAPs indicate a relationship to the O. vivipara-serpentaria complex, as DAPs are present as numerous fragmented pieces in most species. Also, both O. vivipara and O. serpentaria have elongated ossicles in the sheaf around the tube feet similar to the new species. Our phylogeny also places the new species close to the O. vivipara-serpentaria complex. However, the new species appears to lack the row of disc scales that connect the radial shields in O. vivipara-serpentaria (see Mortensen, 1933d) as well as many other Ophiomyxa species. Ophiohyalus gotoi Matsumoto, 1915 from Japan also has unfragmented DAPs, and may be related. The type differs in having DAPs that are figured as being separate from each other, a row of disc scales that border the disc, and curved arm spines (Matsumoto, 1917).</p><p>A specimen from Saya de Malha Bank is molecularly and morphologically similar to the MD 208 specimen and is referred to the new species. It measures 9 mm dd, the long arms have slender tips, the arms covered in thick skin around the vertebrae, especially distally, three pointed skeletal arm spines (in thick skin) upper one hook-like at very arm tip, the row of marginal disc plates appears to be lacking, there are 3–4 small serrated oral papillae.</p><p>The next nearest specimen on our phylogeny is a 6-armed specimen from Western Australia. It also has DAPs that are entire, and the wide rounded oral papillae and teeth have denticulations. The 3 arm spines have thorns in annulations around the spine flank. The only described ophiomyxid species with 6-arms is Ophiostiba hidekii Matsumoto, 1915 also from Japan. The type is small (3.5 mm dd) but differs from the new species in having 6 arms, being fissiparous, lacking DAPs and having 4–5 oral papillae are simple and triangular, lacking denticulations, and having a marginal row of disc scales (Matsumoto, 1917). More research is needed to clarify the relationships of these species.</p><p>The other SWIO species can be distinguished from O. pedicula as follows: O. tenuispina has fragmented DAPs, O. neglecta has 4 oral papillae, and O. vivipara has a row of disc scales around the margin. The arm ossicles also differ: the VAPs are typically wider in other species with a less pronounced distal notch, and the arm spines have a less widened base with smaller thorns near the tip (Fig. 25).</p><p>Etymology. Named after the large vase-shaped pedicel on the arm spines.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFE6A844FF1AA7A15D4CF98B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFFE4A83AFF1AA5A158F3FE2F.text	3724530AFFE4A83AFF1AA5A158F3FE2F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiomyxa tenuispina Mortensen 1933	<div><p>Ophiomyxa tenuispina Mortensen, 1933</p><p>Fig. 25k–n</p><p>Ophiomyxa tenuispina Mortensen, 1933b: 304–306 . fig. 30, pl. 19(27). — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 134, fig. 97, 99–100. — Olbers et al. 2019: 154–155, fig. 144–145.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn WCAS11, Walters shoal, Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest, 33° 8.88´S, 43° 50.43´E, 125 m, 7/5/2017 to 8/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1344) (DNA code= IE.2016.1344) . — MD208: stn WR12, Walters shoal, Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest, 33° 9.158´S, 43° 51.4538´E, 43–47 m, 8/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1359) . — MD208: stn DW4894, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 8.19´S, 43° 50.3101´E to 33° 8.59´S, 43° 49.75´E, 199–261 m, 5/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1347) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiomyxa tenuispina Mortensen, 1933b: ATIMO VATAE / DW3600, SW Cap Sainte Marie, 25° 59´S, 44° 42´E, 143 m, 13/5/2010, MNHN IE.2007.4344 (DNA code=IE.2007.4344).</p><p>Distribution. South Africa (174 m)</p><p>Remarks. The Walters Shoal specimens (to 18.5 mm dd) are (preserved) brownish-yellow, without obvious colour patterns. They have rounded oral papillae and upper teeth with a glassy serrated border, up to 5 arm spines (typically 4) that are swollen at the base and small thorns over the upper shaft and apex (Fig. 25i). The DAPs are fragmented into pieces that sit above the vertebrae. They are similar to the type drawings and description of O. tenuispina Mortensen, 1933b from South Africa, except the smaller (12 mm dd) type had only 4 arm spines.Another similar species is O. irregularis Koehler, 1922a from the Philippines (up to 15 mm dd) which also was reported to have only 4 arm spines. Additional DNA samples are required before we can successfully determine whether these form one or more species.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFFE4A83AFF1AA5A158F3FE2F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF9AA83AFF1AA17D5B76F9CF.text	3724530AFF9AA83AFF1AA17D5B76F9CF.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiomyxa neglecta (Koehler 1904)	<div><p>Ophiomyxa neglecta (Koehler, 1904)</p><p>Fig. 24h, 25a–e</p><p>Ophiodera neglecta Koehler, 1904: 153–154, pl. 28(6–7). — Koehler, 1922a: 20–22, pl. 6(3,7–8). — Liao &amp; Clark, A.M. 1995: 154–155, fig. 63.</p><p>Ophiomyxa neglecta . — Clark, H.L., 1915: 170.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4887, Walters Shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.94483&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.283" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.94483/lat -33.283)">Pentes</a>, 33° 17.23´S, 43° 55.44´E to 33° 16.98´S, 43° 56.6899´E, 599–640 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1064); 8 (MNHN IE.2016.1364) . — MD208: stn DW4888, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.955334&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.172165" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.955334/lat -33.172165)">Pentes</a>, 33° 9.7´S, 43° 56.8199´E to 33° 10.33´S, 43° 57.32´E, 299–311 m, 3/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2016.1343) (DNA code= IE.2016.1343) . — MD208: stn DW4889, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.9665&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.152" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.9665/lat -33.152)">Pentes</a>, 33° 9.7´S, 43° 57.1099´E to 33° 9.12´S, 43° 57.9899´E, 353–465 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1348) . — MD208: stn DW4892, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=44.013668&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.193832" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 44.013668/lat -33.193832)">Pentes</a>, 33° 10.92´S, 44° 0.025´E to 33° 11.63´S, 44° 0.8201´E, 624–646 m, 4/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1349) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiomyxa bengalensis Koehler,1897:EXBODI/CP3883,Volcan- Mont Vauban, 22° 21.3´S, 171° 38.9´E, 433–516 m, 18/9/2011, MNHN IE.2007.7148 (DNA code= IE.2007.7148). Ophiomyxa neglecta (Koehler, 1904): BIOPAPUA/DW3732, Au large des îles et récifs Lancasay, 8° 16´S, 150° 29´E, 340–358 m, 9/10/2010, MNHN IE.2012.677 (DNA code= OM5); MNHN IE.2023.4073 (DNA code=BP90). MIRIKY/DW3197, Ouest du Cap d’Ambre, 12° 7.04´S, 48° 56.9298´E to 12° 6.63´S, 48° 58.0398´E, 362–431 m, 28/6/2009, MNHN IE.2013.1232 (DNA code=IE.2013.1232).</p><p>Distribution. W Indian Ocean (362–431 m), E Indo-W Pacific (76–1418 m), Walters Shoal (299–646 m).</p><p>Remarks. These specimens of Ophiomyxa neglecta (up to 18 mm dd) differ from other SWIO species in having to 4 triangular to truncate oral papillae that have a glassy edge, but without notable serrations, and tend to be separate and not overlapping. There are typically only 3 (rarely 4) pointed arm spines that do not exceed the segment in length, and there is not a continuous row of scales along the disc margin. Live photos (Fig. 24h) show a greyish disc with arms that are brightly banded yellow/red every 3 or so segments. Genetically, the Walters Shoal sample is most similar to an upper bathyal sample collected from the North of Madagascar (IE.2013.1232) and then to specimens from Papua New Guinea. Ophiomyxa bengalensis Koehler, 1897 differs in having notable white calcareous bodies in the skin of the disc. Similar ossicles can be observed in the smallest (up to 7 mm dd) of the Walters Shoal O. neglecta specimens.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF9AA83AFF1AA17D5B76F9CF	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF9AA839FF1AA51D5A5EFD33.text	3724530AFF9AA839FF1AA51D5A5EFD33.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiomyxa vivipara Studer 1876	<div><p>Ophiomyxa vivipara Studer, 1876</p><p>Fig. 24a–c, 25o–s</p><p>Ophiomyxa vivipara Studer, 1876: 462 . — Mortensen, 1924: 114, fig. 6b. — Mortensen, 1936: 241–242. — Mortensen, 1941: 6– 7. — Mortensen, 1952: 12. — Manso, 2010: 5, fig. 5a–b. — Lyman, 1882: 246. — Clark, H.L., 1923: 313. — Mortensen, 1933b: 301–304, fig. 27–29.</p><p>Ophiomyxa vivipara var capensis Mortensen, 1936: 242 .</p><p>Ophiomyxa vivipara capensis . — Clark, A.M., 1974: 482. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 134–135, fig. 101–102. — Alva &amp; Vadon, 1989: 832. — Olbers et al. 2019: 155–156, fig. 146–147.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-37, Coral seamount, 41° 21.7673´S, 42° 54.9067´E to 41° 22.4´S, 42° 54.6´E, 740 m, 20/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.59) (DNA code= OVC1); 1 (NHMUK 2025.60) (DNA code= OVC2) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiomyxa serpentaria Lyman, 1883: CE13008/36, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-12.540833&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=54.053165" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -12.540833/lat 54.053165)">Rockall Trough</a>, ‘ North’ Canyon, 54° 3.19´N, 12° 32.45´W, 1361 m , 6/2013, NUI (DNA code= NUI1404 A). Ophiomyxa vivipara Mortensen, 1936: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=16.6333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-30.9385" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 16.6333/lat -30.9385)">Lara</a> /86, South Africa, 30° 56.31´S, 16° 37.998´E, 337 m, 2/2/2013 , SAMC MB-A82574 (DNA code=A82574) .</p><p>Distribution. S America (6–507 m), S Africa (80–755 m), SW Indian Ocean (373–1179 m), E Indo-W Pacific (385–888 m), S Australia (522–2170 m), New Zealand (150–1408 m), St Paul/Amsterdam Is (460–1680 m), Coral Seamount (740 m).</p><p>Remarks. The 2 specimens measure 11.5 (NHMUK 2025.60) and 12 mm dd (NHMUK 2025.59). They both have one thin perforated ovoid to rhomboid DAP, similar to that illustrated by Mortensen (1933d, fig. 2) for the very similar species O. serpentaria Lyman, 1883 . There are 2–3 alternating arm spines, the uppermost longest on segments with 3, spine-like in nature with some notable thorns, generally obscured by thick skin. The oral papillae are rounded and wide with denticulate glassy edges. The tube feet have two elongated plates that reinforce the sides (see also Mortensen, 1933d, fig. 3e–f). Neither specimen has any obvious brooded juveniles.</p><p>Ophiomyxa vivipara occurs through the temperate Southern Ocean as evidenced by mitochondrial DNA but populations appear to vary in reproduction (O’Hara et al. 2014a). Specimens from around South America have large, brooded juveniles, whilst other populations do not.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF9AA839FF1AA51D5A5EFD33	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF99A839FF1AA00158A0F85A.text	3724530AFF99A839FF1AA00158A0F85A.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiotreta valenciennesi (Lyman 1879)	<div><p>Ophiotreta valenciennesi (Lyman, 1879)</p><p>Ophiacantha Valenciennesi Lyman, 1879: 57–58, pl. 15(408–410). — Lyman, 1882: 183–184, pl. 26(7–8). — Koehler, 1904: 110–111. — Clark, H.L., 1917: 434.</p><p>Ophiotreta valenciennesi . — Koehler, 1922a: 84, pl. 16(4), 93(6). — Mortensen, 1933d: fig. 19b, 21i. — O’Hara &amp; Stöhr, 2006: 62–63, fig. 5a–d, 17p.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4894, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 8.19´S, 43° 50.3101´E to 33° 8.59´S, 43° 49.75´E, 199–261 m, 5/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2016.1346) (DNA code= IE.2016.1346) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiotreta rufescens (Koehler, 1896): UF /IZ- 2009-06-10, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-81.4834&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=24.2242" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -81.4834/lat 24.2242)">S of Florida</a> Keys, 24° 13.452´N, 81° 29.004´W, 457 m, 8/6/2009 , UF 8999 (DNA code= UF8999). Ophiotreta valenciennesi (Lyman, 1879): ATIMO VATAE / DW3522, secteur de Manantenina, 24° 23´S, 47° 32´E, 154–168 m, 1/5/2010, MNHN IE.2007.4292 (DNA code= IE.2007.4292). BIOPAPUA/DW3719, Vitiaz strait, 6° 3´S, 147° 36´E, 410 m, 7/10/2010, MNHN IE.2023.4066 (DNA code=BP22). EXBODI/DW3940, Récif Pétrie, 18° 35.9´S, 164° 23.9´E, 380–430 m, 27/9/2011, MNHN IE.2023.4075 (DNA code=ex 2007.6848). NA064/017, Galapagos Is marine park, 1° 13.879064´N, 91° 6.803404´W, 354 m, 27/6/2015 (DNA code=NA064-017-01-A) . SAYA / DW5434, SW Saya de Malha, 11° 47.436´S, 61° 5.361´E to 11° 47.436´S, 61° 5.435´E, 268–270 m, 15/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4193 (DNA code= IE.2023.4193). TARASOC/CP3464, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-149.9&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-17.566668" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -149.9/lat -17.566668)">Moorea Island</a>, 17° 34´S, 149° 54´W, 460 m, 20/10/2009 , UF 13020 (DNA code= UF13020) .</p><p>Distribution. NW Pacific (228–512 m), W Indian (133–554 m), E Indo-W Pacific (73–1901 m), E Pacific (332–549 m), S America (370–748 m), S Africa (199–261 m), S Australia (132–700 m), New Zealand (88–883 m).</p><p>Remarks. Ophiotreta valenciennesi is a species complex, with considerable genetic divergence between lineages. The most recent common ancestor on our tree dated to approximately 15 MY. The DNA sequence from the Walters Shoal specimen (16 mm dd) is closest to that obtained from a specimen from Madagascar (IE.2007.4292). Both have some slightly elongated granules but not as spine-like as figured for the type of related species O. durbanensis Mortensen, 1933b from eastern South Africa. More samples are required to resolve whether this character is diagnostic. The radial shields are mostly covered by granules (except at their distal tip) and there are spines along the distal edge of the dorsal arm plates. Ophiotreta valenciennesi rufescens (Koehler, 1896) samples are phylogenetically sister to all our Indo-Pacific O. valenciennesi samples and deserves recognition as a separate species, Ophiotreta rufescens .</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF99A839FF1AA00158A0F85A	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF98A838FF1AA3B85C64FAE2.text	3724530AFF98A838FF1AA3B85C64FAE2.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiernus vallincola Lyman 1878	<div><p>Ophiernus vallincola Lyman, 1878</p><p>Ophiernus vallincola Lyman, 1878: 122–123, pl. 6(170–172). — Lyman, 1882: 32–33, pl. 24(16–18), 38(6–9). — Clark, H.L., 1923: 365. — Clark, H.L., 1939: 134. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 185, fig. 201. — Madsen, 1977: 112–114, fig. 2. — Paterson, 1985: 98–99, fig. 40. — Guille &amp; Vadon, 1986: 169. — Olbers et al. 2019: 185–186, fig. 178–179. — O’Hara, 2024b: 64, fig. 63</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4913, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 48.82´S, 44° 5.9699´E to 33° 51.8´S, 44° 4.72´E, 1539–1615 m, 11/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1379) (DNA code= IE.2016.1379-2) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiernus alepidotus Madsen, 1977: CCLME-1205/BT327, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-17.403667&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=11.534667" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -17.403667/lat 11.534667)">Bissau</a>, 11° 31.08´N, 17° 24.27´W to 11° 32.08´N, 17° 24.22´W, 738– 730 m, 19/5/2012 , Vigo 2719 (DNA code= V 2917). Maurit-1011 / MU256, Mauritania, 19° 35´N, 17° 16.03´W to 19° 36.67´N, 17° 18.72´W, 1160 m, 25/11/2010, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=60.80725&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-9.742683" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 60.80725/lat -9.742683)">Vigo</a> 2415 (DNA code= V 2415). Ophiernus cf. alepidotus SAYA /CP5412, N Saya de Malha, 9° 44.192´S, 60° 48.05´E to 9° 44.561´S, 60° 48.435´E, 1441– 1396 m, 7/11/2022 , MNHN IE.2023.4180 (DNA code= IE.2023.4180). Ophiernus vallincola Lyman, 1878: IN2015_C01/117, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=132.4546&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-34.6603" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 132.4546/lat -34.6603)">Great Australian Bight</a>, SZ03 Area 22, 34° 40.458´S, 132° 28.7635´E to 34° 39.618´S, 132° 27.2761´E, 1017– 1014 m, 24/11/2015 , MV F227611 (DNA code=F227611). IN2017 _ V03 /056, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=151.214&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-35.332" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 151.214/lat -35.332)">Jervis</a> CMR, 35° 19.98´S, 151° 15.48´E to 35° 19.92´S, 151° 12.84´E, 2650– 2636 m, 29/5/2017 , MV F240096 (DNA code=F240096). in2022_v08/145, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=96.67736&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-12.130333" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 96.67736/lat -12.130333)">Cocos</a> (Keeling), 12° 7.593´S, 96° 40.9921´E to 12° 7.82´S, 96° 40.6418´E, 3078– 3002 m, 17/10/2022 , identified by O’Hara (2024b), MV F307644 (DNA code=F307644). ME 85- 3/1072, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-28.0525&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.018333" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -28.0525/lat 63.018333)">South</a> Iceland, Irminger Basin, 63° 0.46´N, 28° 4.0896´W to 63° 1.1´N, 28° 3.15´W, 1594 m, 8/9/2011 , DZMB-HH 37435 (DNA code= DZMB37435 A). PS61 ANT-XIX/3 (ANDEEP)/044- 1, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-55.0675&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-60.968166" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -55.0675/lat -60.968166)">Elephant Island</a>, 60° 58.08´S, 55° 6.85´W to 60° 58.09´S, 55° 4.05´W, 308–399 m, 29/1/2002 , CASIZ 161551 (DNA code= CAS161551). TAN1206/15, Site SL 1d, slope, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-36.9192&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=176.9792" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -36.9192/lat 176.9792)">Bay of Plenty</a>, 36° 55.44´S, 176° 58.782´E to 176° 58.752´N, 36° 55.152´W, 1502- 1493 m, 16/4/2012 , MV F188877 (DNA code=402VBH) .</p><p>Distribution. Arctic (1643–1648 m), NE Atlantic (619–4000 m), W Indian Ocean (1000–2312 m), E IndoW Pacific (300–3078 m), S Africa (1097–3255 m), Kerguelen (2557– 2557 m), S Australia (439–2821 m), New Zealand (1139–3391 m), Antarctic (308–3673 m).</p><p>Remarks. Ophiernus vallincola is a worldwide complex of bathyal species that also includes the weakly calcified O. alepidotus from off western Africa. More DNA samples are required across its geographic and bathymetric range to establish species boundaries. The Walters Shoal specimen is 7 mm dd, with the wide radial shields, disc scales limited to a row that surrounds the radial shields and a few in the centre of disc. Arm bristles are present.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF98A838FF1AA3B85C64FAE2	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF98A83FFF1AA6D25856FE0B.text	3724530AFF98A83FFF1AA6D25856FE0B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophioleuce seminudum Koehler 1904	<div><p>Ophioleuce seminudum Koehler, 1904</p><p>Ophioleuce seminudum Koehler, 1904: 33–34, pl. 2(7–10). — Madsen, 1983: 36–45, figs 2–4, 5a–b, 6. — Guille &amp; Vadon, 1986:</p><p>169. Ophiocirce inutilis Koehler, 1904: 13–14, pl. 3(4–5). — Clark, H.L., 1939: 131–132. — Clark, A.M., 1974: 476–477, fig. 14. —</p><p>Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 185–186, figs 198, 202 [according to Madsen, 1983]. Ophiocten charischema Clark, H.L., 1911: 97–98, fig. 35 [according to Madsen, 1983]. Ophioleuce charischema . — Clark, H.L., 1915: 345. — Hertz, 1927b: 109, pl. 9(4). Ophiocirce mabahithae Mortensen, 1939: 42, figs 3–4, pl. 3(7–8) [according to Madsen, 1983].</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4886, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 17.25´S, 43° 54.89´E to 33° 16.63´S, 43° 55.9401´E, 582– 573 m, 3/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2023.4155) (DNA code= IE.2023.4155) . — MD208: stn DW4891, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 10.8´S, 44° 0.97´E to 33° 11.59´S, 44° 0.97´E, 650–653 m, 4/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1355) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophioleuce seminudum Koehler, 1904: MIRIKY/CP3209, entre <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=48.237&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-12.7145" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 48.237/lat -12.7145)">Nosy-bé</a> et Banc du Leven, 12° 41.87´S, 48° 15.36´E to 12° 42.87´S, 48° 14.22´E, 291–353 m, 29/6/2009, MNHN IE.2023.4004 (DNA code=CP3209a). SAYA / DW5424, SE <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=62.010033&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-11.4614" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 62.010033/lat -11.4614)">Saya de Malha</a>, 11° 27.684´S, 62° 0.602´E to 11 °</p><p>28.02´S, 62° 0.546´E, 171– 150 m, 12/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4202 (DNA code= IE.2023.4202). SS05/2007/129, Northwestern Australia, Lacepede L 26 transect, 15° 47.568´S, 121° 3.504´E to 15° 48.5´S, 121° 2.883´E, 117– 109 m, 1/7/2007, MV F162612 (DNA code=F162612) .</p><p>Distribution. NW Pacific (94–1250 m), W Indian Ocean (73–1073 m), E Indo-W Pacific (50–2084 m), S Africa (573–653 m), S Australia (194–256 m), New Zealand (376–380 m).</p><p>Remarks. The discs are 9 (IE.2023.4155) and 5.5 (IE.2016.1355) mm dd. We were unsuccessful in obtaining DNA from these samples.However,two samples from Madagascar (IE.2023.4004) and Saya de Malha(IE.2023.4202) cluster separately from East Indo-West Pacific specimens and possibly represent a cryptic species. If this western Indian Ocean clade is found to extend northwards to the Red Sea, then the name O. mabahithae (Mortensen, 1939) is available.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF98A83FFF1AA6D25856FE0B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF9FA83FFF1AA1E95BB9FA41.text	3724530AFF9FA83FFF1AA1E95BB9FA41.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Amphipholis squamata (Delle Chiaje 1828)	<div><p>Amphipholis squamata (Delle Chiaje, 1828)</p><p>Asteria squamata Delle Chiaje, 1828: 74 .</p><p>Amphipholis squamata . — Clark, H.L., 1923: 330. — Mortensen, 1933b: 364–365. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Rowe, 1971: 80–81, 99, fig. 27b, pl. 13(5). — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 151–152, fig. 138. — Clark, A.M., 1976: 258. — Clark, A.M., 1977: 135. — Cherbonnier &amp; Guille, 1978: 105–106, fig. 48(A–B). — Sloan, Clark &amp; Taylor, 1979: 101. — Stöhr et al., 2008: 552–553, fig. 4d–e. — Olbers et al. 2019: 217–218, fig. 214–215. — O’Hara &amp; Thuy, 2022: 38–39.</p><p>Ophiactis minor Döderlein, 1910: 253, pl. 5(3–3a) [according to Mortensen, 1933b].</p><p>Amphipholis minor . — Clark, H.L., 1923: 329. — Hertz, 1927a: 35.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn WS07, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale Sud, 33° 15.435´S, 43° 52.1851´E, 30–33 m, 2/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1367).</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Amphipholis squamata .E SAYA / YR03, NW <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=60.197&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-9.871667" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 60.197/lat -9.871667)">Saya de Malha</a>, 9° 52.3´S, 60° 11.82´E, 43 m, 5/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4358 (DNA code=IE.2023.4358).</p><p>Distribution. Arctic (29–2369 m), NW Atlantic (0–1962 m), NE Atlantic (0–1560 m), NW Pacific (0–413 m), NE Pacific (0–933 m), W Atlantic (0–353 m), E Atlantic (0–741 m), W Indian Ocean (0–750 m), E Indo-W Pacific (0–694 m), E Pacific (0–46 m), S America (0–134 m), S Africa (0–1600 m), S Australia (0–841 m), New Zealand (2–1059 m). SPA (3–1600 m).</p><p>Remarks. Amphipholis squamata is an allopatric hybrid swarm with at least 4 major mitochondrial maternal lineages (Hugall et al. 2024). This complex is a successful coloniser of isolated habitats (Mortensen 1941); all individuals bear live young (or clones) and it is known to use macroalgal holdfasts to raft across oceans. DNA was not obtained from this tiny Walters Shoal specimen, however, other shallow water records from the Western Indian Ocean have proved to belong to the widespread tropical “clade E” (O’Hara unpublished data). Only synonyms relevant to the western Indian Ocean are listed above.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF9FA83FFF1AA1E95BB9FA41	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF9FA83EFF1AA5765D54FE2F.text	3724530AFF9FA83EFF1AA5765D54FE2F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Amphiura glabra Lyman 1879	<div><p>Amphiura cf. glabra</p><p>Fig. 26a–c</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-4, Coral seamount, 41° 22.8371´S, 42° 50.6024´E to 41° 22.85´S, 42° 51.99´E, 1186 m, 13/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.20) (DNA code= JC066-3851) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Amphiura cf. glabra in2022_v08/141, Cocos (Keeling), 12° 7.677´S, 96° 58.8014´E to 12° 7.98´S, 96° 59.35´E, 1139– 1110 m, 16/10/2022, identified by O’Hara (2024b) , MV F308057 (DNA code=F308057) .</p><p>Description. Disc 5 mm dd, petaloid, covered dorsally in scales, no primary plates evident, radial shields large, 1/5 dd in length, D-shaped, proximally divergent; disc scales become sparse around the oral shields; oral shields rounded triangular, 1.5x as wide as long, distally widest with a slightly convex distal side; adoral shields narrow with wide lateral wings, just separated interradially and separated radially by the VAP1; distal oral papillae small and conical; DAPs ovoid, slightly wider than long; VAPs longer than wide, with a tapered angle proximally, a convex distal edge and incised lateral sides, contiguous; to 6 arm spines, lowest longer, especially around mid-arm, to 1.5 segments; one oval tentacle scale, 1/2 to 1/3 the length of the VAP. Colour (preserved): light brown, with a darker spot at the base of the arm spines.</p><p>Distribution. tropical Indian Ocean—bathyal</p><p>Remarks. This specimen is similar to a 3 mm dd specimen described from off the Cocos (Keeling) islands in the eastern Indian Ocean (O’Hara, 2024b), differing only in having slightly smaller radial shields, smaller distal oral papillae, and an additional arm spine, all of which may be due to its larger size. The holotype of A. glabra Lyman, 1879 from the Philippines (930 m) is not described as having longer ventral arm spines, and we defer considering these three specimens the same species until the holotype has been re-examined.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF9FA83EFF1AA5765D54FE2F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF9EA83DFF1AA14558CAFF07.text	3724530AFF9EA83DFF1AA14558CAFF07.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Amphiura natalensis	<div><p>Amphiura cf. natalensis</p><p>Fig. 26d–g</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-12, Coral seamount, 41° 22.333´S, 42° 54.066´E to 41° 23´S, 42° 54.1´E, 730 m, 16/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.22) (DNA code= JC066-592); 1 (NHMUK 2025.21) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Amphiura dejectoides H.L. Clark, 1939: MIRIKY/CP3247, au large de la Baie Mahajamba, 14° 50.39´S, 46° 59.1498´E to 14° 49.86´S, 47° 0.0198´E, 349–442 m, 7/7/2009, MNHN IE.2007.413 (DNA code=IE.2007.413). Amphiura ficta Koehler, 1910: MIRIKY/CP3223, entre Nosy-bé et Banc du Leven, 12° 47.94´S, 48° 11.28´E to 12° 46.26´S, 48° 11.2602´E, 430–488 m, 2/7/2009, MNHN IE.2007.1260 (DNA code=IE.2007.1260). Amphiura grandisquama Lyman, 1869: Johnson Sea Link II/JSL-II-3665, Miami Terrace, 26° 3.8757´N, 79° 50.9349´W, 329–343 m, 22/9/2004, MV F254609 (DNA code=F254609). Amphiura iris Lyman, 1879: SE-1518/14, Kumano Sea, S of Shirna Peninsula, Mie Pref, 34° 2.8´N, 136° 53.2´E, 725 m, 9/10/2015, NSMT E9100 (DNA code=NSMT E9100). Amphiura spinipes Mortensen, 1924: TAN1007/104, Rumble II West seamount, 35° 21.732´S, 178° 31.548´E to 35° 21.582´S, 178° 31.848´E, 1287–1378 m, 6/6/2010, NIWA 70686 (DNA code=70686).</p><p>Description. Disc to 3.8 mm dd, disc covered in tiny disc scales, primaries distinct, a little larger than others, widely separated, disc scales near the centre of the disc becoming isolated, not contiguous with neighbours, radial shields 1/6–1/7 dd, divergent proximally, 3x as long as wide; disc scales persist ventrally until the oral shield; oral shield round triangular, 1.5x as wide as long, no distal lobe; adoral shields triangular, proximolateral to the oral shields, just meeting or separate interradially; distal oral papillae leaf-shaped, 1.5–2.0x as high as wide; DAPs ovoid, as wide as long, contiguous; VAPs 1.5x longer than wide, with convergent proximal sides, incised lateral ones (around pores) and a straight lateral edge with rounded corners; basally 6 arm spines, upper and lowest longest, bluntly pointed, no apical thorns, by the centre of the arm the lowest is 1.5x segment in length, almost 2x the size of the 2nd ventralmost, capitate, upper is 2nd longest, 3 middle spines becoming 2 middle spines by the end of the arm; one large flat oval tentacle scale. The LAPs (Fig. 26d–e) are curved with extensions meeting on the dorsal and ventral radial midline; the stereom is densest just proximal to the line of arm spine articulations, articulations with two horizontal raised lips with gaps at each lateral end. Vertebrae (Fig. 26f) with pronounced distal articulation, with a small heart-shaped zygosphene, and a deep furrow ventrally.</p><p>Distribution. Coral Seamount (730 m)</p><p>Remarks. The Coral Seamount specimens have the distinctive long ventral arm spines and single oval tentacle scale typical of the A. magellanica - A. grandisquama group of Amphiura . They are closest to the descriptions of A. grandisquama natalensis Mortensen, 1933b known from off the Indian Ocean coastline of South Africa. The South African specimens (&lt;4 mm dd) have been described as having up to 5 rather than 6 arm spines, no primary plates (although they appear to be present in photos in Olbers et al. 2019 fig. 229), and longer ventral arm spines (to 3 segments in length). More specimens from the region are required to determine species boundaries.</p><p>Other similar bathyal species from the Indo-Pacific include A. iris Lyman, 1879 from off Japan which has only 4 arm spines. It was synonymised by Paterson (1985) with the Atlantic species A. grandisquama Lyman, 1869, however, our DNA evidence indicates that specimens from Japan are polyphyletic with respect to Atlantic specimens and should be retained as a separate species pending a larger revision. Amphiura iridoides Matsumoto, 1917 from off Japan (580 m) has much larger disc scales and radial shields. Amphiura dejecta Koehler, 1922a from off Borneo (558 m) has larger disc plates and radial shields and prominent, sometimes contiguous) primary plates. Amphiura glabra Lyman, 1879 (see below) from the Philippines (930 m) has much larger radial shields and a naked ventral disc. In shallower waters, A. dejectoides from the Western Indian Ocean has arm spines with squared-off minutely thorny tips.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF9EA83DFF1AA14558CAFF07	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF9DA83DFF1AA2F558A8FA83.text	3724530AFF9DA83DFF1AA2F558A8FA83.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiactis abyssicola (M. Sars 1861)	<div><p>Ophiactis abyssicola (M. Sars, 1861)</p><p>Fig. 26h–j</p><p>Amphiura abyssicola Sars, 1861: 18 pl. 2(7–12).</p><p>Ophiactis poa Lyman, 1879: 40, pl. 13(356–358). — Lyman, 1882: 119, pl. 20(13–15) [according to Clark, H.L., 1918].</p><p>Ophiactis abyssicola . — Lyman, 1882: 122. — Clark, H.L., 1923: 334–335. — Mortensen, 1933b: 347. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 161. — Olbers et al. 2019: 247–249, fig. 250–251. — O’Hara &amp; Thuy, 2022: 33, fig. 13(c–d).</p><p>Ophiactis corallicola Koehler, 1895: 460–461, fig. 5 [according to Clark, H.L., 1918].</p><p>Ophiactis echinata Koehler, 1898: 48–49, pl. 5(15–16) [according to Clark, H.L., 1918].</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 8-5, Atlantis Bank, 32° 42.862´S, 57° 14.666´E to 32° 43.3´S, 57° 15.2´E, 828–994 m, 10/12/2011: 2 (NHMUK 2025.56) (DNA code= OAB1) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiactis abyssicola (M. Sars, 1861): AFR239/ A28266, West coast, 33° 9.6´S, 17° 12´E, 455 m, 1/2008, SAMC MB-A88404 (DNA code=A88404). CE13008/91, Whittard Canyon, 48° 38.15´N, 10° 41.4´W, 2400 m, 6/2013, NUI (DNA code=NUI1666E-2). GB 903/2, Gulf of Mexico, central slope, 27° 4.794´N, 92° 48.996´W, 1066–1067 m, 16/7/2016, MV F248373 (DNA code=F248373). Ophiactis cuspidata Lyman, 1879: TAN1402/31, Forde Seamount, Stratum 1, 35° 19.01´S, 170° 27.09´W to 35° 18.48´S, 170° 27.53´W, 1205–1600 m, 11/2/2014, NIWA 95695 (DNA code= NIWA 95695).</p><p>Distribution. Arctic (127–1838 m), NE Atlantic (27–2400 [?4813] m), W Atlantic (1054–3465 m), E Atlantic (425–1642 m), S Africa (311–2000 m).</p><p>Remarks. The COI sequences from these SWIO Ridge specimens fall into the “abyssicola ” clade of this complex, similar to specimens from the Atlantic and South Africa at bathyal depths (O’Hara et al. 2014). The type series of O. corallicola (Gulf of Gascoyne, 950–1700 m) and O. echinata (Azores, 800 m) and O. poa (Tristan da Cunha, 914–1005 m) fall within the geographic and depth range of this species (as known from COI barcodes) and are here regarded as synonyms. However, Paterson (1985) has also recorded lower bathyal/abyssal specimens from the North Atlantic under this name, which would give it a very extensive bathymetric range. These deeper animals deserve further investigation. Off Australia and New Zealand, the sister species O. cuspidata Lyman, 1879 is restricted to upper bathyal depths and another species O. amator Koehler, 1922b inhabits mid-lower bathyal depths (O’Hara et al. 2014a).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF9DA83DFF1AA2F558A8FA83	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF9DA83CFF1AA6A95BB9FE9B.text	3724530AFF9DA83CFF1AA6A95BB9FE9B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiactis amator Koehler 1922	<div><p>Ophiactis amator Koehler, 1922</p><p>Ophiactis amator Koehler, 1922b: 34–36, pl. 81(1–6). — Rowe &amp; Pawson, 1977: 349. — Rowe &amp; Gates, 1995: 377–378.</p><p>Non Ophiactis amator .— Bernasconi &amp; d’Agostino, 1974: 129–130, pl. 11(3–4) [see Brogger &amp; O’Hara, 2015].</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn CP4915, Walters shoal, Plaine Sud, 33° 56.85´S, 44° 0.07´E to 33° 58.8´S, 43° 55.3999´E, 1865–2058 m, 12/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2016.1362) (DNA code= IE.2016.1362) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiactis amator Koehler, 1922b: IN2015_C01/064, Great Australian Bight, OR 13 Area 05, 34° 4.438´S, 129° 10.924´E to 34° 3.557´S, 129° 8.6852´E, 2649–2805 m, 13/11/2015 , MV F227385 (DNA code=F227385). Talud Continental 3/45, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-53.65447&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-38.031883" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -53.65447/lat -38.031883)">Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon</a>, 38° 1.913´S, 53° 39.268´W, 2934 m, 5/9/2013 , CNP-INV (DNA code=L45-2A). Talud Continental 3/55, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-53.8597&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-37.869232" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -53.8597/lat -37.869232)">Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon</a>, 37° 52.154´S, 53° 51.582´W, 1712 m, 8/9/2013 , CNP-INV (DNA code=L55-1). TAN1007/114, Kermadec deep, 35° 29.76´S, 178° 31.23´E to 35° 29.53´S, 178° 30.59´E, 3036– 3034 m, 7/6/2010, NIWA 64929 (DNA code= OAM1). TN228/J2-387-004, Z39 <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=147.27129&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-44.389084" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 147.27129/lat -44.389084)">Seamount</a>, Huon, 44° 23.345´S, 147° 16.277´E, 2004– 1990 m, 25/12/2008 , MV F168705 (DNA code=F168705) .</p><p>Distribution. S America (1712–3447 m), S Africa (2707–3036 m), S Australia (1688–4052 m), New Zealand (1473–3580 m), Walters Shoal (1865–2058 m).</p><p>Remarks. The specimens measure up to 6.5 mm dd, with relatively thin arms, and long spines and rounded plates on the disc. Genetic sequences from these animals cluster with other O. amator specimens from across the Southern Ocean from off Argentina to New Zealand. Mid bathyal specimens (e.g., NUI1666.2, 2400 m) from the North Atlantic cluster with O. abyssicola (see above).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF9DA83CFF1AA6A95BB9FE9B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF93A833FF1AA3F05AAEF8E5.text	3724530AFF93A833FF1AA3F05AAEF8E5.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiactis macrolepidota Marktanner-Turneretscher 1887	<div><p>Ophiactis macrolepidota Marktanner-Turneretscher, 1887</p><p>Ophiactis macrolepidota Marktanner-Turneretscher, 1887: 298, pl. 12(12–13). — Matsumoto, 1917: 155–156, fig. 37. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Rowe, 1971: 104. — Rowe &amp; Gates, 1995: 379.</p><p>Ophiactis delicata Clark, H.L., 1915: 260–261, pl. 11(9–10). — Clark, A.M. &amp; Rowe, 1971: 82–83, [according to Rowe &amp; Gates, 1995].</p><p>Ophiactis parva Mortensen, 1926: 123 . — Mortensen, 1940: 70–71, fig. 5. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Rowe, 1971: 82–83, 105, fig. 31d [according to Rowe &amp; Gates, 1995].</p><p>Ophiactis acosmeta Clark, H.L., 1938: 262–264 . — Clark, A.M. &amp; Rowe, 1971: 82–83, 104 [according to Rowe &amp; Gates, 1995].</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn WB05, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale Sud, 33° 15.12´S, 43° 54.514´E, 26– 30 m, 1/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2023.4158) (DNA code= IE.2023.4158) . — MD208: stn WS08, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale, Sud-Est, 33° 13.722´S, 43° 55.8861´E, 30–33 m, 3/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2023.4172) . — MD208: stn WB09, Walters shoal, Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest, 33° 13.767´S, 43° 55.7751´E, 27–30 m, 4/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4168) . — MD208: stn WB10, Walters shoal, Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest, 33° 9.131´S, 43° 51.7939´E, 30 m, 6/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4173) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiactis definita Koehler, 1922a: BIOPAPUA/DW3770, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=151.53334&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-5.5666666" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 151.53334/lat -5.5666666)">Jacquinot Bay</a> (Nouvelle-Bretagne), 5° 34´S, 151° 32´E, 220–294 m, 16/10/2010 , MNHN IE.2012.222 (DNA code= ODF2). Ophiactis dyscrita H.L. Clark, 1911: <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=139.54576&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=35.1377" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 139.54576/lat 35.1377)">Sagami Bay</a>, off Misaki, stn1, 35° 8.415´N, 139° 32.944´E to 35° 8.262´N, 139° 32.746´E, 109–160 m, 4/6/2018 , MV F248398 (DNA code=Misaki031). Ophiactis macrolepidota Marktanner-Turneretscher, 1887: KANACONO/DW4724, W <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=167.11966&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-22.658333" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 167.11966/lat -22.658333)">Ile des Pins</a>, 22° 39.6´S, 167° 8.3002´E to 22° 39.5´S, 167° 7.1795´E, 260– 255 m, 20/8/2016 , MNHN IE.2013.11110 (DNA code= IE.2013.11110). SAYA / CP5433, SW <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=61.20545&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-11.7" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 61.20545/lat -11.7)">Saya de Malha</a>, 11° 41.947´S, 61° 11.853´E to 11° 42´S, 61° 12.327´E, 234–235 m, 15/11/2022 , MNHN IE.2023.4233 (DNA code= IE.2023.4233). Ophiactis plana Lyman, 1869: MIRIKY/CP3178, entre <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=48.15067&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-12.9835" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 48.15067/lat -12.9835)">Nosy-bé</a> et Banc du Leven, 12° 58.88´S, 48° 9.09´E to 12° 59.01´S, 48° 9.0402´E, 378–380 m, 25/6/2009 , MNHN IE.2023.4013 (DNA code=CP3178a).</p><p>Description. Disc to 1.6 mm dd; typically 6 arms (one 1 mm dd specimen MNHN IE.2023.4168 with only 5 arms), 3 arms thinner so fissiparous, 3 times dd; disc scales rounded, small, overlapping, primary plates not prominent, few to no disc spines; radial shields small, 2x l/w, separated; ventral scales present; oral shields spearhead shaped with a sharp proximal angle and a slightly lobed distal margin, as long as wide; adoral shields separated radially; 1 small distal oral papilla; basal dorsal arm plates almost oval, tapered proximally, 1.5–2 times as wide as long, subsequent plates more triangular, separated or just contiguous throughout; 3 short, blunt arm spines, middle spine largest; tentacle scale half as long as ventral arm plate. Colour: dorsal arm surface pinkish/brown; disc brownish-yellow.</p><p>Distribution. NW Pacific (0–67 m), W Indian Ocean (3–235 m), E Indo-W Pacific (0–294 m), S Africa (26–33 m), S Australia (1–196 m), New Zealand (0–27 m).</p><p>Remarks. Clark &amp; Rowe (1971) remarked on the difficulty of separating small Ophiactis species that have 6 arms, one distal oral papilla, and divide by fission. Characters used to separate these species, such as the shape of the oral/adoral/radial shields, arm spines and the presence of disc spines, are morphologically variable, and Rowe &amp; Gates (1995) proceeded to synonymise O. parva, O. delicata, O. acosmeta with O. macrolepidota . The Indonesian O. brachyura Döderlein, 1898 and the Japanese O. dyscrita could also be added to this list. In contrast, our DNA evidence suggests that there are multiple clades of such species, with overlapping species ranges, that may contain both 5- and 6-armed individuals. The COI sequence of the MD 208 specimen clusters with a 6-armed specimen from New Caledonia (IE.2013.11110) and two 5-armed specimens from Papua New Guinea (IE.2012.222). The latter specimens are larger, have purple arms, a bulbous pale disc, tiny radial shields and 4 arm spines at the base. Until type material (or neotypes from the type locality) are sequenced, it remains problematic to determine whether this clade is a new species or can be associated with an existing available name.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF93A833FF1AA3F05AAEF8E5	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF93A832FF1AA4065875F96B.text	3724530AFF93A832FF1AA4065875F96B.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiactis plana Lyman 1869	<div><p>Ophiactis plana Lyman, 1869</p><p>Fig. 26k–m</p><p>Ophiactis plana Lyman, 1869: 330–331 . — Clark, H.L., 1915: 265, pl. 10(1–2). — Clark, H.L., 1918: 301–302. — Clark, H.L., 1923: 333. — Mortensen, 1933b: 345–346, fig. 57. — Clark, H.L., 1939: 76–77. — Clark, A.M., 1974: 464–465. — Clark,</p><p>A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 163–164, figs 157, 162. — Alva &amp; Vadon, 1989: 839. — Glück et al. 2012: 10, fig. 4a–b. — Olbers et al. 2019: 254–255, fig. 258–259. — O’Hara, 2024b: 77, fig. 75.</p><p>Ophiactis flexuosa . — Lyman, 1882: 116–117, pl. 20(1–3) (in part). — Studer, 1882: 17 [Non Ophiactis flexuosa Lyman T, 1879; see Clark, H.L., 1923].</p><p>Ophiactis profundi Lütken &amp; Mortensen, 1899: 140–142, pl. 6(4–6). — Koehler, 1922a: 192–193, pl. 63(8). — Nethupul et al. 2022a: 68, fig. 38–39.</p><p>Ophiactis pteropoma Clark, H.L., 1911: 134–135, fig. 50. — Matsumoto, 1917: 154, pl. 3(9) [according to Koehler, 1922a].</p><p>Ophiactis profundi var. novaezelandiae Mortensen, 1924: 128–131, fig. 13.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — JC066: stn 4-12, Coral seamount, 41° 22.333´S, 42° 54.066´E to 41° 23´S, 42° 54.1´E, 730 m, 16/11/2011: 1 (NHMUK 2025.58) (DNA code= OPR14); 1 (NHMUK 2025.57) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiactis plana Lyman, 1869: EXBODI/CP3852, Banc Sud Durand, 22° 16.6´S, 168° 43.2´E, 582 m, 14/9/2011 , MNHN IE.2007.6735 (DNA code= IE.2007.6735). IN2022 _ V09 /126, Site:039, 23° 17.75´S, 113° 5.1391´E to 23° 17.992´S, 113° 4.9411´E, 425– 375 m, 10/12/2022, WAM (DNA code= IN2022 _ V09 _126). MIRIKY/CP3178, entre Nosy-bé et <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=48.15067&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-12.9835" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 48.15067/lat -12.9835)">Banc du Leven</a>, 12° 58.88´S, 48° 9.09´E to 12° 59.01´S, 48° 9.0402´E, 378–380 m, 25/6/2009 , MNHN IE.2023.4013 (DNA code=CP3178a). SAYA / DW5407, W Saya de Malha, 10° 59.357´S, 60° 18.914´E to 10° 59.649´S, 60° 19.103´E, 193–198 m, 6/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4239 (DNA code= IE.2023.4239). SS02/2007/77, Cascade 1200m 5, 43° 55.406´S, 150° 27.889´E to 43° 55.778´S, 150° 28.352´E, 590–660 m, 10/4/2007, MV F144837 (DNA code=F144837). TARASOC/DW3481, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-149.75&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-17.483334" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -149.75/lat -17.483334)">Moorea Island</a>, 17° 29´S, 149° 45´W, 610 m, 22/10/2009 , UF 13016 (DNA code= UF13016). TARASOC/DW3502, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=-149.28334&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-17.583334" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long -149.28334/lat -17.583334)">Tahiti Island</a>, 17° 35´S, 149° 17´W, 430–580 m, 25/10/2009 , UF 13019 (DNA code= UF13019) .</p><p>Distribution. NE Atlantic (650–914 m), NW Pacific (88–1702 m), W Atlantic (48–800 m), E Atlantic (41– 41 m), W Indian Ocean (22–1441 m), E Indo-W Pacific (55–1618 m), E Pacific (850–1644 m), S America (748– 748 m), S Africa (0–730 m), S Australia (25–1443 m), New Zealand (55–1583 m).</p><p>Remarks. The taxonomy of many Ophiactis species is very confused. The incidence of specimens with 6 arms is high and many of these can divide by fission (A.M. Clark 1967). However, multi-armed and fissiparous forms do not always form separate clades on a phylogeny (see tree in Christodoulou et al. 2019) and can be similar genetically to 5 armed forms. Morphology is often variable, especially in fissiparous forms. Location is not necessarily a good guide to identity as some species are evidently very widespread, occurring throughout the Indo-Pacific and sometimes into the Atlantic as well. In some regions, notably the Western Atlantic, there are numerous small ill-defined fissiparous species that need to be delimited.</p><p>A multi-armed bathyal species called O. plana (type locality Florida), O. profundi (type locality eastern Pacific) or O. pteropoma (type locality: Japan) is evidently one of the widespread species. It has a single oral papilla on the side of each jaw, fan-shaped dorsal arm plates with a straight to slightly convex distal border, large radial shields (typically 1/5 dd), 3–4 arm spines, and rarely has disc spines. It typically has 6 arms (rarely 5 or 7) and small specimens are regularly found with 3 large and 3 small arms indicating that they are regenerating after having previously divided by fission. However, specimens identified as this species prove to be polyphyletic on a phylogeny. The majority, including the 2 specimens from Coral Seamount (2.5–3 mm dd), do form a monophyletic clade that occurs from the SW Indian Ocean to Moorea, South China Sea to New Zealand. But other 6-armed specimens cluster with either 5-armed species such as O. definita and O. perplexa or shallow water fissiparous species such as O. macrolepidota and are probably mis-identified atypical members of those species.</p><p>Unfortunately, we do not have genetic sequences from the Atlantic or eastern Pacific that may guide the nomenclature of this species. In the interim, we follow Mortensen (1933b) in regarding O. plana and O. profundi as conspecific.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF93A832FF1AA4065875F96B	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF92A831FF1AA5805DD0FBEF.text	3724530AFF92A831FF1AA5805DD0FBEF.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophiactis savignyi (J. Muller & Troschel 1842)	<div><p>Ophiactis savignyi (J. Müller &amp; Troschel, 1842)</p><p>Ophiolepis savignyi Müller &amp; Troschel, 1842: 95 .</p><p>Ophiactis savignyi . — Clark, H.L., 1918: 305–306. — Koehler, 1922a: 193–195, pl. 64(5–6), 96(2). — Mortensen, 1933b: 348, fig. 58b. — Mortensen, 1936: 264. — Clark, H.L., 1939: 77. — Mortensen, 1940: 70. — Clark, A.M. &amp; Rowe, 1971: 82–83, fig. 22e, 23d, 31b, pl. 14(4). — Clark, A.M. &amp; Courtman-Stock, 1976: 164, figs 156, 161. — Cherbonnier &amp; Guille, 1978: 125–128, fig. 57(A–I) (in part).</p><p>Ophiactis sp probably O. savignyi . — Clark, A.M., 1976: 259.</p><p>STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn WR02, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.846966&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.204166" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.846966/lat -33.204166)">Sud-Ouest</a>, 33° 12.25´S, 43° 50.818´E, 40 m, 30/4/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4156) (DNA code= IE.2023.4156) . — MD208: stn WB05, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.908566&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.252" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.908566/lat -33.252)">Sud</a>, 33° 15.12´S, 43° 54.514´E, 26–30 m, 1/5/2017: 3 (MNHN IE.2016.1345); 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4163) . — MD208: stn WB09, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.929585&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.22945" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.929585/lat -33.22945)">Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest</a>, 33° 13.767´S, 43° 55.7751´E, 27–30 m, 4/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4167) . — MD208: stn WB10, Walters shoal, <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=43.86323&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=-33.152184" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 43.86323/lat -33.152184)">Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest</a>, 33° 9.131´S, 43° 51.7939´E, 30 m, 6/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1353); 2 (MNHN IE.2023.4174) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiactis brevis H.L. Clark, 1938: SBD/1554 S, Great Barrier Reef Seabed Survey, 22° 3.224´S, 150° 21.2078´E to 22° 3.25´S, 150° 21.2861´E, 28.4– 27.5 m, 10/5/2004, MTQ SBD010141 (DNA code= SBD010141). SS 2012t 07/8, 11° 13.324´S, 134° 45.12´E to 11° 13.378´S, 134° 45.12´E, 27.7–27.9 m, 18/10/2012, MV F193456 (DNA code=F193456). Ophiactis savignyi (J. Müller &amp; Troschel, 1842): Blue Heron Bridge, Palm Beach, 26° 46.962´N, 80° 2.664´W, 1–5 m, 3/2/2013 , MV F193474 (DNA code= TOH12). Misaki marine station, rocky shore, 35° 9.52´N, 139° 36.65´E, 0–1 m, 3/6/2018 (DNA code= <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=139.61084&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=35.15867" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 139.61084/lat 35.15867)">Misaki</a> 007) . IN2022_ V09 /133, Gascoyne Marine Park. Site:040, 23° 22.963´S, 113° 25.4141´E to 23° 24.154´S, 113° 24.9746´E, 114– 104 m, 11/12/2022, MV F309537 (DNA code=F309537). MIRIKY/CP3257, Nord du Cap Saint André, 15° 47.52´S, 44° 44.9598´E to 15° 46.74´S, 44° 45.5202´E, 48 m, 9/7/2009, MNHN IE.2007.418 (DNA code= IE.2007.418). SS05/2007/140, Northwestern Australia, Leveque L 27 transect, 15° 5.67´S, 121° 47.184´E to 15° 5.5´S, 121° 47.417´E, 77 m, 2/7/2007, MV F166029 (DNA code=F166029) .</p><p>Distribution. NW Atlantic (1–12 m), NE Atlantic (0–43 m), NW Pacific (0–130 m), NE Pacific (0–70 m), W Atlantic (0–211 m), E Atlantic (0–50 m), W Indian Ocean (0–144 m), E Indo-W Pacific (0–206 m), E Pacific (0–33 m), S America (1–153 m), S Africa (0–77 m), S Australia (0–60 m).</p><p>Remarks. Ophiactis savignyi is a species complex that includes several mitochondrial DNA clades that are widespread in tropical waters (Roy &amp; Sponer 2001, 2022). The sequenced MD 208 specimen belongs to Clade 2 of Roy &amp; Sponer (2001), which also includes sequences from the closely related five-armed species O. brevis . Further work is required to determine whether these clades can be distinguished as separate species. Ophiactis savignyi is a shallow water species and any historical record deeper than 200 m requires re-examination.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF92A831FF1AA5805DD0FBEF	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
3724530AFF91A836FF1AA7CD5B0EFAAB.text	3724530AFF91A836FF1AA7CD5B0EFAAB.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Ophionereis (Ophiotriton) boucheti O’Hara & Thuy 2025	<div><p>Ophionereis (Ophiotriton) boucheti sp. nov.</p><p>https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: AD90A98A-774C-4160-A88F-55FC5376642F</p><p>Fig. 27</p><p>TYPE LOCALITY. Walters shoal, Zone sommitale Sud, 33° 15.053´S, 43° 54.4771´E, 26 m</p><p>TYPE MATERIAL. — MD208: stn WS06,Walters shoal, Zone sommitale Sud, 33°15.053´S, 43°54.4771´E, 26m, 1/5/2017, holotype: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1342); paratypes: 2 (MNHN IE.2023.4170) (DNA code= IE.2016.1342) .</p><p>OTHER STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn WR01, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale Sud-Ouest, 33° 12.18´S, 43° 50.828´E, 36 m, 30/4/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1350) . — MD208: stn WB05, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale Sud, 33° 15.12´S, 43° 54.514´E, 26–30 m, 1/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2023.4157) . — MD208: stn WS07, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale Sud, 33° 15.435´S, 43° 52.1851´E, 30–33 m, 2/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1358) . — MD208: stn WS08, Walters shoal, Zone sommitale, Sud-Est, 33° 13.722´S, 43° 55.8861´E, 30–33 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2023.4171) . — MD208: stn WB09, Walters shoal, Zone Sommitale Nord Ouest, 33° 13.767´S, 43° 55.7751´E, 27–30 m, 4/5/2017: 4 (MNHN IE.2023.4166) .</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophionereis cf. intermedia Mayotte, Recif Nord, 12° 35.964´S, 45° 5.994´E, 0–2 m, 9/1959, identified by Cherbonnier &amp; Guille (1978) as Ophionereis hexactis, MNHN EcOs 21707. SAYA/YB05, Saint Brandon, 16° 28.97´S, 59° 42.66´E, 12 m, 19/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4380 (DNA code=IE.2023.4380). SAYA/YS12, NE Saya de Malha, 10° 22.75´S, 62° 7.75´E, 26 m, 9/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4410 (DNA code=IE.2023.4410). Ophionereis cf. variegata Ilot Tanikely, near Nosy Be, 17/3/1960, identified by Cherbonnier &amp; Guille (1978) as Ophionereis degeneri, MNHN EcOs 21706; identified by Cherbonnier &amp; Guille (1978) as Ophionereis degeneri, MNHN EcOs 21705. Ophionereis dubia (J. Müller &amp; Troschel, 1842): Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, 5° 22.7´N, 100° 6.9´E, 13.6 m, 12/9/2005, NSMT E5543 (DNA code=TIM032). Scottburgh, Aliwah Shoal, 30° 16.034´S, 30° 49.07´E, 12–17 m, 15/11/2016, MV F237926 (DNA code=Aliwah1). ATIMO VATAE/TR02, 25° 1.3´S, 47° 0.5´E, 17 m, 29/4/2010, MNHN IE.2007.4724 (DNA code=TOH255-IE.2007.4724). KGR/Sled11, King George River region, 13° 54.291´S, 127° 19.7315´E, 11 m, 7/6/2013, MV F193495 (DNA code=F193495). Koyo2014/16, E of Mago-jima Island, Ogasawara, 27° 11.878´N, 142° 12.843´E to 27° 12.346´N, 142° 12.625´E, 126.5–128.9 m, 25/6/2014, NSMT E10208 (DNA code=NSMT E10208). SAYA/YB07, Saint Brandon, 16° 48.622´S, 59° 29.88´E, 7 m, 20/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4205 (DNA code=IE.2023.4205). SAYA/YR05, NW Saya de Malha, 10° 37.2´S, 60° 10.3´E, 39 m, 6/11/2022, MNHN IE.2023.4298 (DNA code=IE.2023.4298). Ophionereis hexactis (H.L. Clark, 1938): Ashmore /18, Ashmore Reef, Blue Grotto, SW of Middle Island, 12° 16.42´S, 123° 0.71´E, 2–6 m, 7/10/2002, MV F93671 (DNA code=MVF93671). Ophionereis semoni Döderlein, 1896: KGR/ AS 03, King George River region, 13° 48.957´S, 127° 19.2864´E, 73 m, 12/6/2013, MV F193497 (DNA code=F193497). Ophionereis tigris H.L. Clark, 1938: UF/HI09-003, Heron Island, Wistari Reef, 23° 27.113´S, 151° 52.027´E, 11–13 m, 11/11/2009, UF 9889 (DNA code=UF9889).</p><p>COMPARATIVE MATERIAL NOT EXAMINED. Ophionereis intermedia (A.M. Clark, 1953): <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=136.98334&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=37.15" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 136.98334/lat 37.15)">Magari</a>, Notojima Island, Ishikawa Pref., Japan, 37° 9´N, 136° 59´E, 1.5–2 m, 4/3/2003 , NSMT E5055 (DNA code= TIM021). Ophionereis thryptica (Murakami, 1943): 2008 , NSMT E-2172-p01 (DNA code= TIM050) .</p><p>Diagnosis. Small body size (to 2.2. mm dd). Disc covered in minute overlapping scales, without enlarged scales around the margin, small widely separate radial shields not covered by scales. No genital papillae. Five arms, supplementary DAPs 2/3 as long as the primary DAP, 3 rounded arm spines with blunt tip, middle one only slightly longer than the others. Thin brown bands across the distal end of white radial shields.</p><p>Description. Holotype 2.2 mm dd, arms 13 mm long, disc covered in minute overlapping scales, 0.05–0.08 mm wide, no obvious primaries, marginal disc scales not enlarged, exposed section of radial shields 0.2 mm long, 2x as long as wide, widely separate, aligned to each side of the arm base, continuing proximately under the disc for another 0.2 mm; disc scales not continuing onto dorsal arm; ventral scales similar size, obscured by skin near oral shields; no granules or spines along wide genital slit; oral shields broadly triangular with rounded angles, widest distally, adoral shields narrowly triangular, with an acute proximal angle and a widened concave distal edge, just touching or separate interradially, radially separated by the small 1st VAP, oral and adoral shields minutely beaded; 4 broad teeth with convex or obtusely-angled hyaline edges, ventralmost smallest; 4 oral papillae, the inner three (infradental, buccal shield, and 2nd adoral shield spine) are oval, often pointing proximally, adoral shield spine is plate like, a little separate, and larger than the others, the thin Lyman’s ossicle forms the distal rim of the 2nd oral tentacle pore, which opens into the jaw slit.</p><p>Arms five, thin, DAPs hexagonal, basal plates as wide as long, widest proximally (almost triangular), becoming thinner and widest near the mid-length of the plate, contiguous; supplementary plates not contiguous, start at the widest point of the main DAP, and widen into a triangular plate distally confluent with the main DAP; first VAP much smaller than the rest, triangular to rhomboid, widest distally, succeeding VAPs contiguous, 1.5x as long as wide, with convex distal edge, rounded distolateral corners, concave lateral sides and an obtuse angle proximally, minutely beaded, becoming wider distally than proximally, 3 arm spines, round in cross-section, slightly tapering towards a blunt apex, subequal and as long as a segment near the arm base, middle one becomes a little longer than the others at mid-arm; single oval tentacle scale, 1.5x as long as wide, 1/2 the VAP in length.</p><p>Colour (preserved): disc light yellow-brown, with darker patches near the arm base and sometimes around the lateral disc area, radial shields lighter colour, so that the dark patch appears to be divided into 3 sections, ventral disc surface also darker, which continues to a variable extent across the oral shields, first dorsal arm segment light, rest of the arm greenish-brown with thin dark transverse lines every 3–6 segments, these lines are often wider near the edge of the arm than the centre; arms also banded ventrally, 1–2 dark segments alternating with 3–6 light segments, base of arm spines also dark adjacent to dark segments.</p><p>Paratypes and other material (1.5–3 mm dd), smallest specimens with thin brown bands across the distal end of radial shields, some specimens with pale patches in the centre of the ventral disc area, and darker colours on the oral plates, others with pale areas next to the genital slits, some with the bases of all arm spines coloured. Paratype (IE.2023.4170) ossicles: LAPs higher proximally then distally, with nodulated surface, arm spine articulations composed of two straight parallel lobes, with a smaller knob proximally between them, muscle and neural perforation sit between the lobes; arm spine minutely thorny with vertical grooves near the spine apex; vertebrae zygospondylous.</p><p>Distribution. Walters shoal (26–36 m).</p><p>Remarks. There are a group of Ophionereis species which have discs covered with very fine plates or skin, large supplementary DAPs that are typically as long as the primary DAP, and (excepting O. intermedia) lack granules/ spines along the genital slits. We propose to utilise the subgenus name Ophiotriton Döderlein, 1896 for this group of species. Döderlein (1896) created this taxon for his new species O. semoni and defined it by the presence of skin rather than plates covering the disc. However, we expand this narrow definition to include all Ophionereis species with very fine disc plating and no genital granules, including O. dubia (Müller &amp; Troschel, 1842), O. hexactis H.L. Clark, 1938, O. thryptica Murakami, 1943, and O. tigris H.L. Clark, 1938 . We have representatives of all these species in this clade on our phylogeny. To this list could be added O. amoyensis A.M. Clark, 1953, O. andamanensis James, 1982, O. vivipara Mortensen, 1933a and O. sexradia Mortensen, 1936, although we have not examined specimens of these species. Ophionereis sexradia from the Canary Islands is fissiparous, as are some small specimens from Japan (H.L. Clark 1911, fig. 79g) that possibly represent undescribed species. In addition, the Ophiotriton clade with these species on our tree also contains a sample from a small Japanese specimen of O. intermedia A.M. Clark, 1953 that differs in having a row of small sharp separated spines running along the genital slit. Similar 5-armed specimens also occur in the Indian Ocean (erroneously reported as O. hexactis by Cherbonnier &amp; Guille, 1978), which are divergent from the Japanese O. intermedia in our phylogeny, and which we designate as O. cf. intermedia pending formal description. The widespread ‘species’ O. dubia is also polyphyletic on our tree and appears to contain cryptic species. There are numerous synonyms (A.M. Clark 1953, Irimura 1982). More DNA samples are required to sort out species boundaries and nomenclature in this taxon, including from the Red Sea, type locality for O. dubia .</p><p>The new species O. boucheti is distinguished by its small size, 5 arms, covering of tiny disc plates except over the small radial shields, lack of genital granules, and colour scheme. It is closest in form to O. dubia and O. vivipara . Small specimens of O. dubia (at least a small Australian specimen, MV F109865, that has the colour scheme of synonym O. stigma H.L. Clark, 1938) have DAPs as wide as long, with large glassy supplementary DAPs that are contiguous along the arm. The VAPs are hourglass-shaped, 2x as long as wide, incised laterally around the tentacle pores. The dark colour across the radial shields is a thin ‘Y’-shaped band that forks proximally. Ophionereis vivipara, a brooding species from the intertidal of Mauritius, is also a small species (to 3 mm dd) that has non-contiguous supplementary DAPs, but differs in having characteristic star-shaped markings on the centre of the disc. The type figures also show extremely small scales on the dorsal and ventral disc surfaces (Mortensen 1933a).</p><p>Specimens from Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, referred by Cherbonnier &amp; Guille (1978) to the species O. degeneri A.H. Clark, 1949, are mis-identified. An examination revealed enlarged marginal plates adjacent to the radial shields and a small accessory LAP between the arm segments laterally, a characteristic of the species Ophionereis variegata Duncan, 1879 not O. degeneri (see Matsumoto 1917 fig 79, A.M. Clark 1953).</p><p>Etymology. Named after Dr Philippe Bouchet (Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris) a principal investigator of the MD208 expedition.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/3724530AFF91A836FF1AA7CD5B0EFAAB	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	O’Hara, Timothy D.;Thuy, Ben	O’Hara, Timothy D., Thuy, Ben (2025): Seamount ophiuroids from the High Seas of the western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa 5718 (1): 1-88, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5718.1.1
