taxonID	type	description	language	source
03BF87BF26065D4961C4BCF5FD3A432A.taxon	description	FIGURE 2 The specimen observed was from 14 m on Steep Island, on rocky substratum. This species is rarely seen in Hong Kong waters, with only a single sighting recorded in our survey. Eucidaris metularia is distinguished from the other cidarid urchin seen in Hong Kong by spine morphology which are blunt-tipped with banded coloration and spine length roughly equal in size to the test diameter in E. metularia versus Prionocidaris baculosa which has spines that are narrow to pointed, lack banding coloration and show spine length at least twice the test diameter with serrations along the spine surface. In terms of size. E. metularia horizontal test diameter is not known to exceed 30 mm whereas most adult Prionocidaris baculosa are generally larger than 30 mm in horizontal test diameter. The colour in life is purplish-brown with the spines distinctly banded. It is widely distributed over the Indo-West Pacific region from Mozambique to the Hawaiian Island. A molecular phylogeny and biogeographic survey of Eucidaris spp. across its range, including E. metularia was published by Lessios et al. (1999). Eucidaris metularia has been reported from Xisha Island and the southern end of Hainan Island (Liao & Clark 1995). This is the first occurrence in Hong Kong waters. Feeding habits and other biology of Eucidaris metularia are poorly understood. Mortensen (1928) reported coralline algae, bryozoans, sponges and other “ bottom material ” from gut contents, but surprisingly little could be located. While not abundant in Hong Kong, other species of Eucidaris, such as Eucidaris thouarsii in the Galapagos have demonstrated ecological importance in coral reef settings (Glynn et al. 1979) and there is likely significance for E. metularia among coral settings in Chinese habitats.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26065D4961C4BCF5FD3A432A.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 14.0 m. Outside Hong Kong. Mozambique and the Red Sea to the Fiji, Gilbert, and Hawaiian Islands and from south Japan to the north coast of Australia. 5 – 570 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26055D4F61C4BDCCFD0F4173.taxon	description	FIGURE 3 A – E	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26055D4F61C4BDCCFD0F4173.taxon	discussion	Comments Figure 3 A-D documents the first occurrence of this species from Hong Kong, where it was recorded from the Ninepin Islands at 18.0 m. This species occurs between 10 - 30 m in rocky habitats from this region. Prionocidaris baculosa has been recorded previously from China and throughout the Indo-Pacific, specifically from Japan to the west coast of Australia, the Philippines, the Indonesian region and in the Indian Ocean from Ceylon, the Red Sea and Mauritius, between depths of 0 to 250 m (Liao & Clark 1995; Schultz 2015). Feeding observations of this species are included in the Discussion. In situ and aquarium observations In situ observation of one individual (Fig. 3 A) showed a majority of spines carrying fouling materials on them, with only approximately five spines in view without any fouling growth. These spines appear to be shorter and could represent spine loss from predators or other damage or possibly there is preferential fouling growth on the more elongate spines. Reasons for this preferential growth are unclear. Under aquarium conditions (Fig. 3 B – D), one individual was observed attacking two asteroids, including Luidia maculata (Fig. 3 B) and the oreasterid Culcita novaeguineae suggesting predatory tendencies. These were not observed in the field.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26055D4F61C4BDCCFD0F4173.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 – 30 m. Outside Hong Kong: southern China, in the vicinity of Hainan Island, and throughout the Indo-Pacific, Japan to the west coast of Australia, the Philippines, the Indonesian region and in the Indian Ocean from Ceylon, the Red Sea and Mauritius, between depths of 0 – 250 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26035D4E61C4BFAFFC0D428C.taxon	description	FIGURE 4 A – C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26035D4E61C4BFAFFC0D428C.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified based on the pointed, conical secondary spines present on the aboral surface and the banded primary spines. The bright red bands of the primary spines, the white spine base and the purple interambulacral regions also corresponds to the summary description of this species as outlined by Shigei (1986). This represents the first occurrence of this species from Hong Kong harbor and from 15 m depth. This is the shallowest known collection of this species which had previously been known from much deeper waters, 70 – 360 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26035D4E61C4BFAFFC0D428C.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 17 m. Outside Hong Kong. Taiwan, Hawaiian Islands, Southern Japan, including Sagami Bay, Kagoshmna Bay, Korea Strait to the Mollucan Sea, Philippines and the Kei Islands. 70 – 360 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26025D4D61C4BD6BFA374388.taxon	description	FIGURE 5 A (D. setosum), 5 B (D. savignyi)	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26025D4D61C4BD6BFA374388.taxon	discussion	Comments Diadema is intensively studied and many species are dealt with in much greater detail elsewhere (e. g. Muthiga & McClanahan 2020), and as such, are only included briefly here out of completeness. Chinese Diadema species were documented by Liao & Clark (1995). Both species are significant as subjects for understanding relationships between species across the tropical-Indo-Pacific region (e. g. Lessios 2000). Diadema setosum in particular has been the cause of coral bioerosion in Hong Kong (Dumont et al. 2013; Qiu et al. 2014). Both species are widely occurring throughout the Indo-Pacific. Diadema savignyi prefers exposed settings and is recorded from deeper depths (0 – 60 m) (Fig. 5 B) compared to Diadema setosum which prefers sheltered sites at shallower depths, from 0 – 30 m (Schultz 2015). In Hong Kong D. savignyi has been observed at Tung Ping Chau, Sung Kong and Wang Lan Island (Fig. 5 B) at deeper depths,> 10.0 m in rocky habitats and but is more rarely seen. Liao & Clark (1995) reported Diadema savignyi as being very abundant at Hainan Island, such that the spines prevented steps between them. Diadema setosum has been observed at Sharp Island (Fig. 5 A), and is more common in eastern waters.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26025D4D61C4BD6BFA374388.taxon	diagnosis	Diadema savignvi is distinguished by a black anal cone and bold blue arch of iridophore pattern on the genital plates, whereas Diadema setosum bears white with an orange ring on its anal cone and blue spotted iridophore pattern (Schultz 2015).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26025D4D61C4BD6BFA374388.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Diadema savignyi Hong Kong, 1 – 25 m Outside Hong Kong, throughout the Indo-Pacific, except Pakistan and West India, Maldives and the Hawaiian Islands, 0 – 30 m. Diadema setosum Hong Kong, 1 – 30 m Outside Hong Kong, southern China and throughout the Indo-Pacific. 0 – 60 m. (based on Liao & Clark 1995).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26015D4C61C4BDA7FBB542E1.taxon	description	FIGURE 6 A – C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26015D4C61C4BDA7FBB542E1.taxon	discussion	Comments Three color morphotypes are shown in Figure 6, including the black (Fig. 6 A), white-spined (Fig. 6 B) and banded forms (Fig. 6 C). The black and white-spined forms were more common than the banded forms. Debris was observed on the black-spined form (Fig. 6 A). Echinothrix calamaris was identified by the presence of an adapical median zone in each interambulacra, which was naked and usually green, and a periproctal membrane and large anal tube possessed of many small, but very conspicuous, white spots. Specimens were observed at Bluff Island, Trio Island and Shek Ngau Chau Island on rocky and coralline substrates in 5 – 15 meter depths. Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 5 – 15 m depths. Outside Hong Kong, distributed throughout tropical Indo-West Pacific, but absent from the Arabian Gulf, Pakistan, W. India and Sri Lanka, 0 – 90 m (following A. M. Clark & Liao 1995).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26005D5361C4BDCDFC154272.taxon	description	FIGURE 7	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26005D5361C4BDCDFC154272.taxon	discussion	Comments A familiar urchin species which is heavily documented elsewhere and is only briefly touched upon here, observed from Tsim Chau, Long Ke and Tung Ping Chau at 2 – 10 m in rocky and coral habitats. This species has been heavily studied in a wide range of topics, including a model for phylogeography (e. g. Bronstein & Loya 2013; McCartney et al. 2000) and ecology (e. g. McClanahan & Kurtis 1991; Hiratsuka & Uehara 2007). This species is known for creating and inhabiting bored concavities in rocky substrates (e. g. McClanahan & Kurtis 1991). It feeds on plants and encrusting organisms, especially sponges (Schultz 2015). Although historically recorded as a wide-ranging Indo-West Pacific species, as outlined in Clark & Liao (1995), recent phylogenetic work (e. g. Bronstein & Loya 2013; McCartney et al. 2000) suggests multiple lineage within what had previously been considered a single wide-ranging species, notably that lineages from the Indian Ocean are separate from those in the tropical Pacific (Bronstein & Loya 2013). This species is differentiated from the similarly elongated Parasalenia by having a much larger apical system with characteristically pointed genital plates and more distinct white rings around the spines.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26005D5361C4BDCDFC154272.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 2 – 10.0 m. Outside Hong Kong, Southern China, throughout the Indo-Pacific, Hawaii, Guam, Bali, Okinawa, Great Barrier Reef (Australia). 0 – 30 m [E. mathaei in the Indian Ocean is a different taxon from the Pacific, following Bronstein & Loya 2013; McCartney et al. 2000 and in part Clark & Liao (1995)].	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261F5D5261C4BCF4FD5A420A.taxon	description	FIGURE 8	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261F5D5261C4BCF4FD5A420A.taxon	discussion	Comments This species is known to bore into the rock face (Clark & Liao 1995) and can withdraw deeper within the opening when disturbed, as observed in Figure 8. This species displays the dark or lighter purple spines on the upper side and the white spines on the oral side. Echinostrephus molaris is rarely observed in Hong Kong, with only one sighting during our survey. This is consistent with statements by Liao & Clark (1995) who stated that it was an infrequently encountered species in southern China. Only two specimens have been reported from Xincun, Hainan Island (Liao & Clark 1995). The observation documented here is new for Hong Kong.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261F5D5261C4BCF4FD5A420A.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 7 m. Outside Hong Kong, Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa southward to Durban, from the Bonin Islands to Australia and the Fiji Islands. 0 – 50 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261E5D5161C4BC2CFB6D4306.taxon	description	FIGURE 9 A – B	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261E5D5161C4BC2CFB6D4306.taxon	discussion	Comments Heliocidaris crassispina lives on hard substrates in shallow-water dominated by heavy wave action. It has been described as “ one of the most common representatives of the subtidal, rocky shore fauna ” (Chiu 1988 a: 115) in Hong Kong. Hong Kong populations of this species has been extensively studied by Chiu (1988 a, 1988 b, 1988 c, 1990) who characterized habitat, distribution, algal grazing, reproductive biology, age and growth. Reproduction was studied by Urriago et al. (2016). Heliocidaris crassispina was previously placed in the genus Anthocidaris and prior records of this species from Hong Kong and Asia (Liao & Clark 1995; Shigei 1986) were documented as Anthocidaris crassispina before being synonymized by Hart (2011). In situ Observation One individual (Fig. 9 A) was observed with multiple spines covered by strands of white tissue on the spines and spine tips. A second individual (Fig. 9 B) was observed entangled in the tissue of an unidentified jellyfish. Although it was unclear if the jellyfish tissue was present around the mouth, it is possible the urchin was scavenging.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261E5D5161C4BC2CFB6D4306.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 0 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong, Southern China and southern Japan, Korea, Taiwan. intertidal to 70 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261D5D5061C4BDE8FD3342DE.taxon	description	FIGURE 10 A – B	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261D5D5061C4BDE8FD3342DE.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified based on its uniformly black to green-olive colored spines (Fig. 10 A) with banding present or absent, especially in smaller individuals. The milled ring around the base of the primary spines is prominent and conspicuously white (Schultz 2015). Little to no data was available about feeding and ecology of this species. Figure 10 B shows an individual with numerous ophiuroids, Ophiactis savignyi wrapped around its spines. Occurrence / Distribution	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261D5D5061C4BDE8FD3342DE.taxon	distribution	Hong Kong, 0 – 10 m. Outside Hong Kong, throughout the Indo-Pacific, southernmost China, Southern Japan, the Philippines, East Africa, Aldabara, Maldives. 0 – 70 m. STOMOPNEUSTIDAE Mortensen 1903	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261C5D5761C4BCBDFE5442DE.taxon	description	FIGURE 11	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261C5D5761C4BCBDFE5442DE.taxon	discussion	Comments Stomopneustes variolaris was found in a submarine cave with moderate tidal current at Steep Island in 7 m depth. It was observed feeding on dead fish, suggesting scavenging food habits. This species was observed in the littoral zone, exposed to heavy waves on rocky substrates. The individual in Fig. 11 was observed in an aquarium for observation since the environment in submarine cave was not suitable for photography. This species is not common in Hong Kong waters. More broadly it is distributed across the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa to the Samoa Islands, and from Japan in the north to Australia and New Caledonia in the south (Schultz 2015). Although Liao & Clark (1995) reported this species in China, this is the first occurrence from Hong Kong. Stomopneustes variolaris is heavily studied, especially in the Indian Ocean, on a wide range of topics including reproduction (Drummond 1991), symbioses with other invertebrates (Ayyagari & Kondamudi 2014 a, 2014 b), and abundance / distribution (Khaleghi et al. 2012).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261C5D5761C4BCBDFE5442DE.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 7 m. Outside Hong Kong. Indo-West Pacific, Africa, Samoa islands, China, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Intertidal to littoral, approximately 0 – 10 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261B5D5761C4BD20FCE64679.taxon	description	FIGURE 12 A	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261B5D5761C4BD20FCE64679.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified by its distinctive red banded spines (Fig. 12 A) which characterize this species (Liao & Clark 1995). There is individual variation in spine color, as described by Schultz (2015) for S. bicolor specimens that demonstrated spines banded in red, but with yellowish to violet and green. Although widely recorded from throughout Asia, this is the first occurrence of Salmacis bicolor in Hong Kong. This individual was present on a rocky substrate bottom at Ninepin East Island in 17 m depth, a site displaying moderate current. It is otherwise widely distributed in the central Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Liao & Clark (1995) reported it was very common in southern China and ranged from Vietnam to southern Japan, living from the littoral zone to 120 m. Numerous symbionts, including polychaetes, shrimps and ophiuroids were reported in association with Salamis bicolor from Vietnam (Britayev et al. 2013).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261B5D5761C4BD20FCE64679.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 17 m. Outside Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, and South China Sea to the Indian Ocean, including East Africa from Red Sea to Durban over Mauritius and Ceylon, 0 – 120 m	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261B5D5661C4B8FDFAD847F3.taxon	description	FIGURE 12 B – C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261B5D5661C4B8FDFAD847F3.taxon	discussion	Comments The species was identified by the densely banded spines in red, brown, purple, whitish, or greenish, generally with a green base (Fig. 12 B). It is very common in coral habitat in Hong Kong. Four individuals of this species were present on the surface of a dead fish, apparently scavenging (Fig. 12 C). This is consistent with observations made by Tsuchiya et al. (2009) who reported that Salmacis sphaeroides in the Gulf of Thailand have a generalist diet, including various vascular plant species, notably water hyacinths from nearby rivers, as well as sea pens, jellyfish as well as active predation on two species of irregular urchins, Brissus latecarinatus and Lovenia eleongata, which were locally abundant. Both of these latter species are also present in Hong Kong waters suggesting possible prey.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF261B5D5661C4B8FDFAD847F3.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 0 – 10 m. Outside Hong Kong, Southern China, Philippines, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, northern Australia. 0 – 90 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26195D5461C4BED1FB5B410D.taxon	description	FIGURE 13 A – D	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26195D5461C4BED1FB5B410D.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified based on their low hemispherical test shape, elongate, pointed spine shape and deep sutural pits. Ambulacral regions showed the distinct horizontal sutures and light interambulacral color, as well as the greenish-brown spines, lacking banding as outlined in Liao & Clark (1995) were consistent with specimens of this species, Ecological Observations In situ observations (Fig. 13 A) of this species showed it present in high abundance forming large aggregations on the seafloor. Spatial arrangement on the benthic surface at 10 m showed them closely but evenly spaced with each individual at spine’s length apart from one another on a heterogeneous, sandy, cobble-covered sediment. Individual tests were ~ 3 to 4 cm in diameter suggesting a total diameter of ~ 6 to 8 cm, spine tip to spine tip. Approximately 42 urchins were counted in a 0.4 m x 0.3 m region. Liao & Clark (1995) have described this species as one of the most common, shallow-water sea urchins along the southern coast of China, and has been collected from many stations with one haul off western Guangdong in 24 m including over 3000 specimens. Figure 13 C shows this species attacking the sea cucumber Holothuria lecuospilota as well as the sea urchin Salamis sphaeroides (Fig. 13 D) as well as feeding on a dead fish (Fig. 13 B). Further discussion of these feeding observations are summarized in the Discussion.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26195D5461C4BED1FB5B410D.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 3 – 20 m. Outside China. Southern China, Southern Japan, Indonesia, Philippines to east Africa. 5 – 565 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26185D5461C4BF29FC6447A0.taxon	description	FIGURE 14	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26185D5461C4BF29FC6447A0.taxon	discussion	Comments A species identified by the possession of a central or subcentral anal opening, an indistinct suranal plate, spines with distinct banding which lack a dark base. Pits of horizontal sutures deep with sharp edges (Liao & Clark 1995). Mortensen (1943) noted gut contents including coral and plant material. Saravanan & Jawahar (2022) performed seagrass and seaweed feeding preference experiments comparing this species with Salmacis. This species has found significant usage as a model species for developmental biologists (e. g. Kitazawa et al. 2009, 2014)	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26185D5461C4BF29FC6447A0.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 3 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong, widely occurring throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the East African coast to the Marshall Islands. Temperate waters around eastern China and Japan, Australia and India. 10 – 22 m (below 100 m in Japan, following Tsuchiya et al. (2009) (other info follows Clark & Liao 1995).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26175D5B61C4BE99FAFE47C5.taxon	description	FIGURE 15 A – D	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26175D5B61C4BE99FAFE47C5.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was distinguished by its relatively short spines and white body color with black patchy markings (Fig. 15 A – B). Our account follows Liao & Clark (1995) which shows Pseudoboletia maculata synonymized with Pseudoboletia indiana. Although recorded from the Southern China area, this represents the first occurrence of this species in Hong Kong. Specimens were found at Trio Island in a rocky habitat of 7 m depth. This was among several urchins from southern and middle Japan reviewed by Saitoh et al. (2019). Many of the individuals observed displayed “ covering behavior ”, carrying coarse pebbles and shells (Fig. 15 A, B), which is consistent with data that this species prefers calcareous rubble as protective “ coverage ” against UV radiation (Barrett et al. 2019).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26175D5B61C4BE99FAFE47C5.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 7 m. Outside Hong Kong, Southern China Xisha Island, throughout the Indo-Pacific to Madagascar, 0 – 100 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26165D5A61C4BED1FBEA47A1.taxon	description	FIGURE 16	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26165D5A61C4BED1FBEA47A1.taxon	discussion	Comments This specimen was found at Basalt Island, at 10 m in rocky habitat. It was identified by large globiferous pedicellariae, the spines were banded in purplish, greenish, whitish, or reddish hues. Liao & Clark (1995) and Liao (1998) reported this species from Xisha Island and the southern end of Hainan Island, but this represents the first occurrence of this species in Hong Kong, which is distributed widely throughout the Indo-Pacific and is well known for its venomous pedicellariae (e. g. Endean 1961). This species is one of several tropical urchin species which practices “ covering ” behavior, placing debris of various types on its aboral surface. Barrett et al. (2019) has presented evidence suggesting this is a protection mechanism against UV radiation. Chen and Soong (2010) have reported that during spawning of this species (spring tide in May) it discards “ collected ” materials which have been accumulated on its surface.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26165D5A61C4BED1FBEA47A1.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 m. Outside Hong Kong. southern China, Xisha Island, southern end of Hainan Island. to Hawaiian Islands, northern Australia, Indo-Pacific to East Africa, Red Sea, Arabian Gulf and Maldives. 0 – 90 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26155D5861C4BED1FCAE4199.taxon	description	FIGURE 17 A – C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26155D5861C4BED1FCAE4199.taxon	discussion	Comments A commonly encountered species in shallow water Indo-Pacific settings. In Hong Kong, this species are observed in the Trio Island and the Ninepin Islands. Color varies, ranging from individuals with white to orange spines with dark or black test, especially along the interradial regions (Fig. 17 A – C). Tripneustes gratilla is herbivorous, feeding primarily on algae. Its feeding habits and ecology have been studied in populations across its range (e. g. Vaïtilingon et al. 2003), with particular relevance found in Hawaii where it has shown potential as a biological control agent (Stimson et al. 2007). Tripneustes gratilla is one of several urchin species that practices “ covering behavior ”, using tube feet to place rocks and other debris on its aboral surface (Fig. 17 A – C). This species is best associated with this behavior, which is thought to be protective against ultraviolet radiation (Ziegenhorn 2017). Unlike other genera of wide-ranging urchin species, such as Echinometra mathaei (McCartney et al. 2000) which have shown diversification specific to particular regions, phylogeographic studies of Tripneustes gratilla concluded that it is a large metapopulation spanning two oceans and containing chaotic, nonequilibrium local variation, produced by the haphazard arrival of larvae or by unpredictable local extinction (e. g. Lessios et al. 2003).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26155D5861C4BED1FCAE4199.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 3 – 10 m. Outside Hong Kong, widely distributed across the East and Indo-Pacific Ocean, including the Galapagos and Clipperton Island, Hawaiian Islands, Southern Japan, Guam, Philippines, Marshall Islands, Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, to the Indian Ocean to South Africa, Madagascar, the eastern Africa coast and up to the northern Indian Ocean, 0 – 30 m (as per A. M. Clark & Liao 1995).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26145D5F61C4BC2DFAD74176.taxon	description	FIGURE 18 A – D	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26145D5F61C4BC2DFAD74176.taxon	discussion	Comments This species is abundant in Hong Kong waters, particularly in sheltered and coral habitats, where its skeleton can easily be found on the seabed. Denuded tests of this species have been collected from Xisha Island but the species is considered “ scarce ” in Southern China (Liao & Clark 1995). Chao (2000) documented this species from Taiwan. Jespersen et al. (2004) reported three new species and two new genera of galeommatoid bivalves living commensally on the periproct of this species in Thailand.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26145D5F61C4BC2DFAD74176.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 1 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong. Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan, Hawaiian Islands, Easter Island, Costa Rica (Pacific) to the Red Sea and Mauritius through the Malaysian Archipelago and the Marquesas and Andaman Islands, and in Australia from the northeast to Ningaloo Reef on the west coast to the Arabian Sea, East Africa. 0 – 45 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26135D5F61C4BFEDFDDB47E0.taxon	description	FIGURE 19 A – D	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26135D5F61C4BFEDFDDB47E0.taxon	discussion	Comments This is the first occurrence of this species in Hong Kong. Denuded tests of this species were recovered from Ninepin Islands and Bluff Island (Table 1). Liao & Clark (1995) noted that this species was very abundant in the Xisha Islands, and was always present buried in coral sand under rock fragments. They reported that abundance of this species reached a maximum of 100 individuals per square meter. However, it is more rarely seen in Hong Kong with only two sightings of this species from local sheltered and coral settings.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26135D5F61C4BFEDFDDB47E0.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 – 15 m. Outside Hong Kong. Southern China. Broadly distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands, 0 – 130 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26125D5E61C4BE99FB0F47A1.taxon	description	FIGURE 20 A – C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26125D5E61C4BE99FB0F47A1.taxon	discussion	Comments No living individuals of this species were observed, but a single cleared test was collected from sandy bottoms from the southern end of Ninepin Islands at 7 m depth. Previous studies found Clypeaster virescens in Hong Kong but did not find Clypeaster reticulatus (Morton & Morton 1983; Liao & Clark 1995). Clypeaster reticulatus is distinguished by the markedly concave oral surface and the closed petals. Liao & Clark (1995) described this species as a ubiquitous tropical Indo-West Pacific species, very common in southern China and the Gulf of Tonkin between 20 – 60 m. Chao (2000) reported this species in 2 – 5 m depth from Taiwan. This is the first occurrence of this species in Hong Kong.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26125D5E61C4BE99FB0F47A1.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 7 m. Outside of Hong Kong, Gulf of Tonkin, Xisha Islands, Hainan Island. Indo-West Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii from Taiwan to New Caledonia, 0 – 125 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26115D5C61C4BE99FDC740C6.taxon	description	FIGURE 21 A – C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26115D5C61C4BE99FDC740C6.taxon	discussion	Comments Petals on collected specimens differed from those in other references documenting Peronella. Specimens herein were wider and shorter relative to the more elongate petals illustrated in Liao & Clark (1995). Identification of this species was made based on the thickened rim of the test as well as the plate patterns on the oral surface adjacent to the ambulacral channels emanating from the mouth (e. g. Figs. 21 B – C). Liao & Clark (1995) report a huge specimen of this species from off the Ninepin Islands in southeast Hong Kong, measuring 16.0 X 14.9 (WxL) cm at 10 m depth. This was comparable to a specimen reported by Mortensen (1943) which measured 16.8 X 13.6 cm (no locality cited). Chao (2000) has reported this species from western Taiwan in 20 - 40 m. Color in life of this species is bright red, ranging from “ old rose ” to “ Indian red ” on the aboral surface with a pale green oral surface with bright green sutures.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26115D5C61C4BE99FDC740C6.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 37 m. Outside Hong Kong, southern China, ranging from the Gulf of Tonkin and Hainan Island to Fujian Province and Taiwan. Throughout the Indo-Pacific, west coast of India to S. China, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia & central Pacific and northern Australia. 0 to 90 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26105D5C61C4BF29FE1547A2.taxon	description	FIGURE 22 A – C This specimen was found at muddy bottom at 20 m from southern Hong Kong waters. Among three species recorded in Liao & Clark (1995), the test of Lovenia elongata is funnel like in shape whereas Lovenia triforis is heart-like shape. The shape of Lovenia subcarinata is more oval in outline than that of Lovenia elongata. This species had been noted as being very common in the Gulf of Tonkin. It occurs on muddier bottoms than the other Loveni a spp. (Schultz 2017).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26105D5C61C4BF29FE1547A2.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 15.0 m. Outside Hong Kong, East Africa to the Gulf of Siam, the Java Sea, Bay of Bengal, Southern China, Philippines and East Indies. 10 – 49 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262F5D6361C4BE99FA3C4755.taxon	description	FIGURE 23 A – D	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262F5D6361C4BE99FA3C4755.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified in Liao & Clark (1995) as Pseudomaretia alta with subsequent placement into Nacospatangus by Schultz (2009). This species was is the first record of this species from Hong Kong, where it is rarely encountered. Only two sightings of this species were observed from wave-exposed habitat. Specimens collected from this area show a larger peristome when compared with that of Liao & Clark (1995) and Schultz (2017).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262F5D6361C4BE99FA3C4755.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 m. Outside Hong Kong. Central and Southern Japan, Philippines, South Pacific, Mauritius, Indian Ocean 2 – 204 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262E5D6261C4BE99FA3546EF.taxon	description	FIGURE 24 A – C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262E5D6261C4BE99FA3546EF.taxon	discussion	Comments This specimen (29 mm X 25 mm X 24 mm; Length X Width X Height) was found on muddy bottom at 37 m from eastern Hong Kong and was not commonly encountered. Liao & Clark (1995) noted that this species is very common in East China Sea but not in Guangdong Province where they were found only from the mouth of the Pearl River and in Hong Kong. The length of specimens from Guangdong Province was usually less than 30 mm which is consistent with measurements of our specimens, which were 2.9 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.4 cm (L xWx H). Chao (2000) reported tests and other individuals of this species from Taiwan, 5 - 90 m, describing it as an “ inshore deposit feeder. ”	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262E5D6261C4BE99FA3546EF.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 15 m. Outside Hong Kong. China, Taiwan, Natal, East Africa to the northern coast of Australia and to Japan. 4 – 90 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262D5D6161C4BED1FBCF471E.taxon	description	FIGURE 25	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262D5D6161C4BED1FBCF471E.taxon	discussion	Comments The Archasteridae is a monotypic family including the single genus Archaster which in turn, includes three species, two present in the Indian Ocean and a third, the widely occurring Archaster typicus in the tropical central Pacific. This species is present on sandy, unconsolidated bottoms where they apparently evert their stomachs to feed. Marsh & Fromont (2020) presented a brief summary of the biology of this species. Perhaps the best known aspect of Archaster typicus is their reproductive behavior which involves the, unusual in echinoderms, physical superposition of males on females, known as pseudocopulation (e. g. Run et al. 1988). An unpublished Masters thesis by Wong Tim Lung (2016) notes a population explosion of this species recorded by surveys between 2012 and 2014, which may have affected bivalve populations suggesting significant impact on community structure. Archaster typicus is a familiar species, occurring in great abundance and occurring in shallow-water depths, leading to intensive fishing for tourist shops, holiday ornaments, and the pet trade has led to localized disappearance of this species as noted by Bos et al. (2008).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262D5D6161C4BED1FBCF471E.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, Sharp Island east, 3 m. Outside Hong Kong. Widely occurring throughout the tropical Pacific and adjoining regions, Bay of Bengal, northern Indian Ocean, Southern Japan, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Northeastern Australian coast, South Pacific, New Caledonia. 0 – 3 m. (after Marsh & Fromont 2020).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262D5D6061C4B9E1FB1446D5.taxon	description	FIGURE 26	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262D5D6061C4B9E1FB1446D5.taxon	discussion	Comments One specimen of this species was observed showing eight arms with five arms significantly shorter and apparently in the course of regeneration. The observed specimen was blue-green in color with dark bands. This falls within the morphological range described by Liao & Clark (1995). Coscinasterias acutispina feed upon abalone (Hayashi 1988), limpets (Iwasaki 1993) and other molluscs (Harper 1994). Observations on fissiparity and asexual reproduction can be found in Edmonson (1935) and Haramoto et al. (2007). Japanese accounts document this species as being parasitized by the ascothoracidan barnacle Dendrogaster okadai (Haramoto et al. 2007). Nakamura & Fujita (2004) documented Ammothea hilgendorfi a sea spider (pycnogonid) associated with this species.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262D5D6061C4B9E1FB1446D5.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 m. Outside of Hong Kong, southern China, Japan, Korea, West of Hawaiian Islands, 0 – 10 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262C5D6761C4B951FB79420A.taxon	description	The Asterinidae is among the most diverse groups within the Valvatacea, containing over 150 species within 25 genera with species present in nearly every marine setting, except the Arctic. Asterinids have undergone extensive revisions based on molecular phylogenetic analysis (O’Loughlin & Waters 2004; Waters et al. 2006). Further understanding of diversity and recognition of subgroupings within the Asterinidae, such as that of the Ganeriinae, which was previously a separate family, has continued based on further phylogenetic sampling (Mah & Foltz 2011; Mah & Fujita 2020). In addition to taxa supported by molecular phylogenetic evidence, newly discovered endoskeletal characters have provided further diagnostic features for multiple taxa within the Asterinidae (O’Loughlin & Waters 2004). Liao & Clark (1995) note seven species of asterinids from southern China, with only two species previously recorded from Hong Kong, Indianastra sarasini (deLoriol 1897) (as Asterina orthodon) and Aquilonastra imbookengi (Smith 1927). Two further species, Anseropoda rosacea and Aquilonastra cepheus have been added to the asterinids known to occur in Hong Kong. A survey of asterinid images (n = 20) from iNaturalist (2024 b) from Hong Kong suggests a diversity of species which unfortunately require specimen dissection for definitive taxon identification. It is plausible that further taxa, especially species based on the diverse body shapes observed, remain to be found in Hong Kong.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262B5D6561C4BC2CFEA04175.taxon	description	FIGURE 27 A – E	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262B5D6561C4BC2CFEA04175.taxon	discussion	Comments Anseropoda rosacea is a distinctive species recognizable by its 14 – 17, mostly 14 – 16 arms and the extreme dorsoventrally flattened body, which approximates the thickness of cloth fabric. Prior accounts of this species from Liao & Clark (1995) and Marsh & Fromont (2020) have recorded specimens ranging in R to 11.0 cm and 13.0 cm respectively. Specimens collected and observed herein agree in size range but differ in displaying up to 17 arms (Fig. 27 A – D). In Australia this species is described as having a gray abactinal surface with black speckling or mottled orangepink with a white actinal surface with gray or rust along the tube foot grooves (H. L. Clark 1946, Marsh & Fromont 2020). The Hong Kong specimens also displayed a gray abactinal surface with black speckling with some individuals showing a more uniform orange color and a white actinal surface with orange tube feet. This species has been widely reported from throughout its range (Koehler 1910, H. L. Clark 1946). H. L. Clark (1946) stated that this species lived in the subsurface of sandy bottoms away from the low tide mark. Although recorded from southern China (Liao & Clark 1995), this represents the first occurrence of this species from Hong Kong at a relatively shallow depth. Prior occurrence of this species in China were apparently made from dredges in 110 – 114 m and fish market collections of unknown depth and locality. Its depth has permitted direct observations, allowing the first known in situ video of this species in Hong Kong. An unidentified snail, possibly a eulimid were observed attached to the actinal surface of one individual (Fig. 27 E). Igei et al. (2014) described a species of Paramegadenus in a similar position, the actinal surface, on Anseropoda rosacea from Okinawa. This is possibly the same species. Time Lapse Video & In situ observation Aquarium and short time lapse videos of the Hong Kong individuals showed it moving around the aquarium and using the edges of its flattened body surface to cover itself with aquarium gravel. In situ observations of this species are consistent with the behavior, suggesting the coverage with pebbles may serve as protection or camouflage. Its movement pattern over the sediment suggests that it may extend its stomach onto the substratum and feed food on the bottom. Marsh & Fromont (2020) reported this species from the subsurface of sandy bottoms in Australia and have reported this species as having fed on small echinoderms, crustaceans and mollusks, describing it as a scavenger which is sometimes taken in rock lobster pots. In situ observations of this species (Fig. 27 A) showed this species lying nearly flush on a gray sandy / muddy bottom with small coarse stones. The speckled color of this species appears similar in appearance to the sediment on which the animal was observed.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF262B5D6561C4BC2CFEA04175.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 7 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong. Hainan Island, Southern China, Taiwan, Okinawa, Japan, Indonesia, southwest coast of Western Australia, northern Australia to southern Queensland and off the east coast of Tasmania, Bay of Bengal, 0 – 145 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26295D6461C4BFF1FB1D4151.taxon	description	FIGURE 28	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26295D6461C4BFF1FB1D4151.taxon	discussion	Comments Images of this species corresponded with descriptions outlined by Liao & Clark (1995) including the more stellate body shape and the central red spot as presented in O’Loughlin & Rowe (2006). Spination on the examined specimens, identified as A. cepheus, showed more blunt actinal spines and translucent abactinal spinelets in contrast to A. limboonkengi as shown in O’Loughlin & Rowe (2006). The stellate body shape, i. e. the narrower arms differentiates this species from Indianastra sarasini (with synonym Asterina orthodon Fisher 1922). Spination of the species figured herein was in accord with A. cepheus and colors of the specimens imaged were more consistent with those figured by O’Loughlin & Rowe (2006), as opposed to Aquilonastra limboonkengi which as per Liao & Clark (1995) has more solid brown coloration. O’Loughlin & Rowe (2006) however cautioned that color in this species varied greatly and could be uniform.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26295D6461C4BFF1FB1D4151.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 5 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong, Southern China, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Northern Australia to Japan, Singapore to the Caroline Is, Sri Lanka. 0 – 70 m. (Based on Marsh & Fromont 2020; Liao & Clark 1995).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26285D6461C4BFCEFE3045C3.taxon	description	FIGURE 29	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26285D6461C4BFCEFE3045C3.taxon	discussion	Comments Figure 29 shows a presumed Aquilonastra species. Work by O’Loughlin & Waters (2004) and O’Loughlin & Rowe (2006) dismantled the paraphyletic “ Asterina ”, in conjunction with further species discoveries, some 25 species are now assigned to Aquilonastra, which consists primarily of small, variable morphotypes some of which required dissection or very close examination in order to make proper determination. Multiple known species in southern China being reassigned to different genera, including Indianastra and Aquilonastra. Morphotypes from iNaturalist suggest numerous Aquilonastra species but determination will require further sampling and morphological / molecular phylogenetic analysis.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26285D6B61C4B864FC9944AA.taxon	synonymic_list	(with synonym Asterina orthodon Fisher)	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26285D6B61C4B864FC9944AA.taxon	description	FIGURE 30	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26285D6B61C4B864FC9944AA.taxon	discussion	Comments A species characterized by a strongly petaloid shape with flat abactinal plates, carrying a chevron of 10 – 15 spinelets, actinal plates with a linear series of 3 – 5 spinelets, 10 – 12 marginal spines and 5 – 6 furrow spines. Liao & Clark (1995) describe this species as being a dull green, with a red central patch, edged with yellow and off white on the actinal surface. Some individuals were exceptionally red-salmon colored. Asterina orthodon, as described by Fisher, (1922) is a synonym as per Waters & O’Loughlin (2004). A recent review of this species is summarized in Marsh & Fromont (2020). Nothing is known regarding its feeding habits or ecology, although it seems likely similar to other small asterinids, such as Aquilonastra, in feeding on debris and microfilm present on the substratum (Jangoux 1982).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26285D6B61C4B864FC9944AA.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 6 m. South China, Japan, Sri-Lanka and Bay of Bengal, coastal northern Australia from Western Australia to the Great Barrier Reef, 0 – 42 m. (after Marsh & Fromont 2020).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26275D6B61C4BB15FDFC46C6.taxon	discussion	Comments A widely occurring genus of Astropectinidae, including approximately 100 known, extant species, present in primarily shallow habitats in cold-water, temperate and tropical settings in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Astropecten species are documented as primarily infaunal predators (Jangoux 1982) occurring partially buried in loosely consolidated sediments, swallowing various mollusks present in these habitats as prey. We confirm three species in Hong Kong of the seven species listed by Liao & Clark (1995) as occurring in south China waters. Two of these species, Astropecten kagoshimensis deLoriol and Astropecten umbrinus Grube were listed as being of “ dubious provenance. ”	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26275D6A61C4B961FF78422E.taxon	discussion	Comments A conspicuous species among the southern China Astropecten species, in that it completely lacks spines from all of the superomarginal plates. Although not included as an image herein, recent photos of this species in Hong Kong have turned up on iNaturalist (Gohulee 2023, Sai _ yeung _ choi 2023). Based on these observations there appear to be at least two color variants, one is a more solid colored pink-grey with a dark stripe along its arm versus the latter which is grey with dark bands and patterns on the disk. Future sampling of these specimens may reveal greater significance to these differently patterned variants.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26275D6A61C4B961FF78422E.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, exact depth unclear but shallow. Outside Hong Kong. Throughout the Indo-Pacific. Southern China, including Hainan Island, the Philippines, Indonesia, northern Australia, East Africa and Red Sea, 0 – 50 m. (after Clark & Liao 1995; Marsh & Fromont 2020)	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26265D6961C4BCC2FDAB42F4.taxon	description	FIGURE 31 A – D	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26265D6961C4BCC2FDAB42F4.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified based on characters outlined by Liao & Clark (1995). Astropecten polyanthus displays a very similar appearance to Astropecten vappa Müller & Troschel 1842 with which it shares several characters. The key diagnostic character used to identify this species was the nearly vertical edge formed by the superomarginal plates along each arm upon which multiple spines were present along the arm’s length. Comparisons with A. vappa show a minor but more prominent facing of the superomarginal plates along the surface of the abactinal surface. The two species appear closely related and molecular phylogeographic data presented by Zulliger & Lessios (2010) for Astropecten spp. showed that A. vappa from Brunei clustered with a clade within A. polyacanthus from New Zealand. Astropecten polyacanthus is widely occurring throughout the Indo-Pacific but was listed by Liao & Clark (1995) as “ nowhere abundant ” on the southern coast of China. Zulliger & Lessios (2010) included multiple representatives from multiple localities of A. polyacanthus in their molecular phylogeography of Astropecten spp. Their data suggested multiple lineages were present within the morphospecies across its range. Observations of A. polyacanthus (Jangoux 1982) suggest that it displays feeding preferences and behavior similar other Astropecten spp. with gut contents showing remains from gastropods, bivalves, echinoderms and crustaceans. This species has been mostly commonly observed with five rays. There is however, one observation of a 6 - armed specimen (Fig. 31 C – D) from Trio Island in Hong Kong, which has not previously been reported from this region.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26265D6961C4BCC2FDAB42F4.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 3 – 15 m. Outside Hong Kong. Widely occurring throughout the Indo-Pacific. Hawaiian Islands to Japan and Southern China, south to New Zealand and New Caledonia. Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Madagascar, eastern coast of Africa, 0 – 185 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26255D6861C4BD6BFB4C41D5.taxon	description	FIGURE 32	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26255D6861C4BD6BFB4C41D5.taxon	discussion	Comments A species with a full series of single, prominent, conical spines present on each superomarginal plate, lacking the two prominent interradial spines and the absent spines on the post-interradial plates. Liao & Clark (1995) show this species as present in the Hong Kong region. A recent account of this species was presented by Marsh & Fromont (2020).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26255D6861C4BD6BFB4C41D5.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 3 m. Outside Hong Kong. Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific. Southern China region, Taiwan, southern Japan, Sri Lanka to Indonesia, the Philippines, all coasts in Australia, 0 – 128 m. (Marsh & Fromont 2020).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26245D6861C4BC4BFDFB47FC.taxon	description	FIGURE 33 A – D	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26245D6861C4BC4BFDFB47FC.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Extensive description of this species is present in Fisher (1913, 1919). A brief summary of details from Fisher (1919) is included herein for convenience. Body strongly stellate (R / r = 4.5), arms slender and narrow, interradial arcs acute. Abactinal region narrow, paxillae from interradial area with 15 – 18 peripheral and 8 – 12 central, terence, slender, blunt or bluntly pointed spinelets, longer than the low tabular. Many paxillae with an inconspicuous central fasciculate or fasciculatepectinate pedicellaria with 4 – 6 spiniform jaws. Marginal plates block-like forming conspicuous border around periphery. Plates covered with small, slender appressed squamiform spinelets, which become enlarged distally along the arm into 1 to 3 short appressed spineless. Inferomarginals bearing a slightly oblique comb of proximally five distally three or four slender, appressed sharp spines. General covering of the plates consists of appressed, uncrowded squamules round tipped proximally on ray becoming more pointed distally. Actinal intermediate plates small forming a single series extending to the tenth inferomarginal or less than 1 / 3 of arm length. Actinal plates bear spaced groups of lanceolate, papilliform, blunt spinelets, 4 – 8. The central spinelet enlarged in a minority of these groups. Minority of adambulacrals with a pectinate or fasciculate pectinate pedicellaria with 6 – 8 tech. Adambulacral plate with furrow spines, 7 – 8 with shortest on the lateral spines, so that the end of the spine has a curved contour. Subambulacral spines, 4 – 7 in a single series becoming 8 – 10 in two or three series distally. These latter distal subambulacrals much shorter than the furrow spines. Oral plates with 14 – 16 spinelets.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26245D6861C4BC4BFDFB47FC.taxon	discussion	Comments Although published by Fisher (1913, 1919) as part of his Indonesia / Philippine monograph, this species was apparently collected from two localities off the coast of Hong Kong (holotype from 20 º 37 ’ N, 115 º 43 ’ E, 416 m). CASIZ 28462 is mentioned in Fisher (1919: 123) as the specimen collected “ near type-locality. ” Fisher doubted the collection depth which he mentioned as “ probable error in locality. ” This species was not included in past inventories from Hong Kong which included only coverage of shallow-water species (e. g. A. M. Clark 1980). Occurrence / Distribution South east of Hong Kong, South China Sea, (69.5 m? error? probably 381 – 416 m)	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26245D6861C4BC4BFDFB47FC.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined CASIZ 28462, the vicinity of Hong Kong 21 º 42 ’ N, 114 º 50 ’ E, 69.5 m (38 fathoms), Coll. USFC Steamer Albatross, 9 August 1908. 1 dry spec. R = 8.2 r = 1.8.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26225D6E61C4BFD5FC4847E9.taxon	description	FIGURE 34	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26225D6E61C4BFD5FC4847E9.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified based on the elongate inferomarginal spines forming the fringe around the animal’s periphery. It was observed at 12 m depth on sandy substratum. Chiu et al. (1983) reported that 90 % of this species’ diet was mollusks, primarily the semelid bivalve Theora lata. They also reported that this and another five-rayed Hong Kong species, Luidia hardwicki, could adopt either a selective or an opportunistic feeding strategy in response to both composition and abundance.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26225D6E61C4BFD5FC4847E9.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 12 m. Outside Hong Kong. Southern China, Philippines, Singapore, 12 – 36 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26225D6E61C4BED1FCBB4152.taxon	discussion	Four species of Luidia were summarized by Liao & Clark (1995) from southern Chinese waters with two species, so far, observed from Hong Kong. Luidia live buried in unconsolidated sediment and are predators of mollusks and other animals occurring in these habitats (Jangoux 1982).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26215D6D61C4BED1FE0446E2.taxon	description	Figure 35 A – D	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26215D6D61C4BED1FE0446E2.taxon	discussion	Comments This species is identified by having seven to nine arms, a bold black and white pattern present on the disk and arms in addition to three to five stout but short inferomarginal spines arranged in a transverse series. Single paxillar spines are absent. Most observed individuals of this species in Hong Kong display eight or nine arms. Although addressed as a species relative to other Luidia spp. (e. g. A. M. Clark 1982) infraspecific variation has not been heavily investigated. There are for example, distinct disk patterns between individuals in the Hong Kong area. Figure 35 A shows two color form variants, with the commonly encountered form on the left, but others have been observed. Feeding observations are considered under Discussion.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26215D6D61C4BED1FE0446E2.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 7 m. Outside Hong Kong. Widely throughout the Indo-Pacific. Southern China and Japan to Australia, Philippines, Indian Ocean, 0 – 100 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26215D6C61C4B9CCFE364702.taxon	description	FIGURE 36	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26215D6C61C4B9CCFE364702.taxon	discussion	Comments The observed individuals display the coloration, soft surface texture, and arm shape of Echinaster luzonicus, but display only five rays, rather than the six, which are typically associated with this species. Liao & Clark (1995) have indicated that individuals with five arms and other characters typical of E. luzonicus have been described from Chinese waters. Marsh & Fromont (2020) provided a brief summary of this species, which feeds on biofilm and encrusting sponges and occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific from southern Japan and China, south to Palmyra and New Caledonia and east to Indonesia and Australia.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26215D6C61C4B9CCFE364702.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong. Southern China, Fujian Province, Macclesfield Bank, Ryukyu Islands, Philippines, Palau, New Caledonia, east to Palmyra Island, Indonesia, northern and western Australia, Maldives, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, 0 – 60 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263F5D7261C4BE99FF154175.taxon	description	FIGURE 37 C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263F5D7261C4BE99FF154175.taxon	discussion	Comments A species identified based on its distinctive arm shape and irregularly arranged abactinal plates. Although color is variable across its range, this species is best known for its distinctive blue color. The individual figured herein shows a more blue-green color (Fig. 37 C) and was spotted on the rocky substrate in Basalt Island at 7 m. Only one occurrence was recorded during our study but others have been recorded by citizen science accounts which show the more typical deep-blue color. Liao & Clark (1995) had recorded this species from Hong Kong waters, but stated that it was not a commonly encountered species.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263F5D7261C4BE99FF154175.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 7 m. Outside Hong Kong. Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific. Southern China, Japan, Taiwan, Northern and Western Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, Tahiti, Pitcairn Island, Polynesia to the Indian Ocean, to east Africa, 0 – 60 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263E5D7261C4BFEAFDB94433.taxon	description	FIGURE 37 A – B	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263E5D7261C4BFEAFDB94433.taxon	discussion	Comments Images of this species were only taken of the abactinal surface. Diagnostic furrow spine characters were not observed. However, the R / r ratio as well as the size of the individuals were most consistent with descriptions outlined by Liao & Clark (1995). In situ observations showed this species to be brown to light green with darker bands across the arms with dark papular areas. Both four and six-rayed variants of this species were observed. A 6 - rayed specimen was observed at the Ninepins Islands, Hong Kong (Fig. 37 B)	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263E5D7261C4BFEAFDB94433.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong, central Pacific, Southern China, Taiwan, Andaman Islands, Queensland and Are Islands. 5 – 40 m (Marsh & Fromont 2020).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263E5D7261C4BA21FE9546F6.taxon	discussion	Five species of Hong Kong oreasterids are reported herein as opposed to the four reported by Liao & Clark (1995). As discussed by Liao & Clark (1995) and elaborated upon below, there are many doubts regarding the occurrence of several Anthenea spp. as indicated. We report novel occurrences of several oreasterids from Hong Kong waters, such as Culcita novaeguineae, Pentaceraster alveolatus, and Pentaceraster sibogae, which are otherwise widely reported from tropical Indo-Pacific settings and from southern China by Liao & Clark (1995). Oreasterids undergo a significant change in appearance as they become larger. At a size range of approximately R = 5.0 mm to 30 to 50 mm, (this varies with species), many oreasterids, such as Culcita, possess a pentagonal to more weakly stellate, relatively planar and undecorated surface “ goniasterid ” like shape which changes to the more heavily armored and strongly arched form seen in large Oreasteridae. These smaller goniasterid-like forms can be difficult to associate with the larger body forms based purely on external appearance since intermediate characters are difficult to discern and colors change, sometimes dramatically. For example, the Atlantic Oreaster reticulatus changes from a dark mottled green and brown to bright red (Hendler et al. 1995). Culcita novaeguineae is the best documented of these, changing from a pentagonal goniasterid-like form to a significantly large, mound-shape (Kano et al. 1991). Multiple images on iNaturalist (e. g. https: // www. inaturalist. org / observations / 117293137) are potentially small forms of either Anthenea, Gymnanthenea or Pentaceraster but further data is required to confirm identification.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263E5D7161C4B96AFDC8420A.taxon	discussion	Comments Liao & Clark (1995) outline four species of Anthenea found in the southern China region, including A. difficilis, A. aspera, A. chinensis and A. viguieri. Their account of Anthenea in China states that two of the species from the area, A. aspera and A. viguieri, are possibly not conspecific with the Australian species of the same name but could instead be synonyms of the highly variable Anthenea chinensis which occurs throughout the region. Our treatment agrees with their conclusions, ultimately finding only one highly variable species of Anthenea, A. chinensis. It is likely that many other species in adjacent east Asian waters could be part of this complex as well. Phylogenetic assessment of these species to determine which lineages are present in Asia versus Australia are desirable. Although described as a member of Anthenea, Anthenea difficilis showed two series of adambulacral spines versus three spines, which characterizes the other Anthenea species and was subsequently moved to Gymnanthenea by Fujita & Marsh (2002). Much more extensive work will be needed to test the relationships among the Anthenea species complex across its range. Specific to China, this includes those changes proposed by Liao & Clark (1995) as well as by the taxonomic changes stated by Fujita & Marsh (2002).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263D5D7661C4BC2CFE17463E.taxon	description	FIGURES 38 A – D, 39 A – B	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263D5D7661C4BC2CFE17463E.taxon	discussion	Comments Our account follows Liao & Clark’s (1995) treatment, which recognizes the East Asian Anthenea species as Anthenea chinensis, a separate species from the Australian Anthenea pentagonula, into which A. chinensis had been synonymized. Liao & Clark (1995) argued that individuals of this species in East Asian waters are better separated from those identified from Australian settings. We adopt this perspective for the simple reason that other than “ Anthenea ” (now placed into Gymnanthenea) difficilis, all of the other species noted from south Chinese waters in Liao & Clark (1995) show few to no clear character differences from one another or other populations in the East Asian region but do show character differences from Australian species. For example, Liao & Clark (1995) indicate that Anthenea aspera Doderlein 1915 shows overlapping R / r of 1.5 to 2.1 throughout its range with few other definitive characters which clearly distinguish it from Anthenea chinensis. It is unclear if Anthenea aspera, as seen in Singapore for example (VandenSpiegel et al. 1998) is actually distinct from Anthenea chinensis sensu Liao & Clark (1995). Specimens studied herein showed R / r of 2.07 to 2.28 which exceeds all of the known species from the south China seas save for the highly variable A. chinensis as outlined by Liao & Clark (1995) which showed a range of 1.6 to 2.1. The Singaporean Anthenea aspera was figured by Marsh & Fromont (2020) also shows only 3 to 4 thick furrow spines which is consistent with those observed in Hong Kong Anthenea specimens herein as well as “ Anthenea aspera ” as figured by Mortensen (1934). This contrasts with the 6 to 7 “ slender ” furrow spines outlined for the Australian Anthenea aspera in Doderlein (1915). Although recorded from Hainan Island, Anthenea viguieri has not been recorded from Hong Kong and as such, falls outside of the scope of this treatment. However, Liao & Clark (1995) address the fact that it is likely a further part of the Anthenea chinensis complex rather than a separate species.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263D5D7661C4BC2CFE17463E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Body pentagonal to stellate (R / r = 1.6 to 2.28). Three series of adambulacral spines, one furrow spine series with 3 to 5 spines, two series of subambulacral spines. Subambulacral spines adjacent to furrow spines with 2 to 3 spines, each thick and round. Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 5 m. Outside Hong Kong. Okinawa, Japan, Gulf of Tonkin to Fujian Province, 0 – 60 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263D5D7661C4BC2CFE17463E.taxon	description	Description Body stout, thick, stellate in outline (R / r = 2.07 – 2.28), arms triangular, interradial arcs curved. Body surfaces covered by a dermis with an invested granular cover. Granular cover and morphology variable with different surfaces (Fig. 39 A). Abactinal surface, formed of an elaborate reticulate network composed of large round plates with smaller secondary plates abutted between them (Fig. 39 A). Along carinal series and widespread over interradial regions, secondary plates with short, conical-shaped spines. Plates extend from disk to arm tip. Between plates, large papular areas, each with 3 – 15 papulae present in each discrete region. Larger plates arranged in linear rows with secondary plates forming transverse lineation, creating triangular to papular regions which on a minority of papular regions are weakly confluent with some papular overlap. When plates are cleared, they show embossed glassy granules present in the surface, 10 – 70 per plate. Pedicellariae one to three, with mostly two, but exceptionally three clam-shaped valves, variably round to quadrate, each with smooth surfaces present widely over abactinal surface. Surficial dermis inundated with densely packed array of small granules with pointed tips, approximately 3 along a 1.0 mm line, widely spaced from one another. These granules appear to be slightly larger and more abundant in larger individuals (R> 5.0 cm). A bare seam, devoid of spination and large plates present along each interradius. Pointed granules smaller in this area and more widely distributed from one another. Papular regions widespread along disk and arms, but absent interradially, especially along narrow central patch confluent with interradial superomarginal seam. Madreporite approximately 3 to 5 mm in diameter in individuals with R = 4.0 to 6.0, each plate, flanked by three to five plates, with convex surface and well-developed sulci. Madreporite periphery surrounded by coarse granules and large tubercles. Marginal plates 26 – 28 per interradius at R = 4.0 to 6.0, approximately 13 or 14 per arm (Fig. 39 A – C). Individual plates wide, forming distinct border around abactinal surface (Fig. 39 B). No superomarginals abutted along arm. Both superomarginal and inferomarginal plates with one to three bivalve pedicellariae. Granular dermis continuous over abactinal, marginal surface. Superomarginals occupy approximately 10 – 12 % of total “ r ” distance on disk (0.25 to 0.3 / 2.5 cm). Individual superomarginal plates with strongly convex, round dorsolateral edge and is round in cross-section. Superomarginal plates covered by granule-invested epidermis which covers abactinal surface. Larger granules embedded in dermis present, coarse, round 10 – 30 per plate present on plate central surface, absent from peripheral region adjacent to abactinal plates where smaller pointed granules are present. Inferomarginal plates covered by dense granular cover with coarse, round granules, 10 – 60, mostly 40, approximately 3 counted along a 1.0 mm line, closely arranged but evenly and widely spaced. Pedicellariae on actinal surface of inferomarginal plate surface. Terminal plate triangular covered with granule-infused tissue, but when cleared, covered with embossed glassy granules. Shallow fasciolar groove present between marginal and actinal plates. Actinal intermediate areas composed of three full series in chevron formation plus irregular plates present adjacent to inferomarginal contact (Fig. 39 C). Actinal plates irregularly polygonal to round, largest proximally becoming smallest and more irregular in shape distally, adjacent to inferomarginal contact. Granules large, round, 4 – 20 present on peripheral surface of all plates but only covering plate surface completely distally adjacent to inferomarginal plates. Most proximal actinal plates covered by large bivalve, exceptionally one trivalve per interradius, pedicellariae, which nearly bisects the plate on which it sits. Pedicellariae on nearly every plate on actinal series adjacent to the adambulacral plate series (Fig. 39 D). Adambulacral plates with three spine series, one furrow series on groove and two subambulacral series on plate surface (Fig. 39 D). Furrow spines, 4 to 5, largest spines, thick, club-like in shape present centrally with two short spines approximately 10 % of the height of the large central furrow spines, all arranged in a weakly convex to straight fan. Furrow spines set off from subambulacral spines by discrete space. Subambulacral spines 2 to 3, at least one spine, twice as thick as furrow spines, approximately 10 % longer, especially on distal plates where they become thicker and much rounder. Adjacent and / or behind the enlarged subambulacral spine is a large paddle-shaped pedicellariae, comparable in size to subambulacral granules on adambulacral plate and actinal plate surfaces (Fig. 39 D). Remainder of subambulacral accessories, granules, approximately three present, each round, thick similar in size than granules on actinal surface, but set off from these granules by a discrete space. Oral plate with furrow spines, six, blunt, thick, quadrate to round in cross-section with paired spines projecting into mouth, quadrate in cross-section, elongate, approximately 10 % longer than other oral plate furrow spines. Oral plate surface with two series, each with 6 to 8 short, blunt, thick spines on either side of the fossae between the two oral plates.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263D5D7661C4BC2CFE17463E.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined Hong Kong, China. CASIZ 113389, breaker reef, Hong Kong, China, 22 º 27.78 N 114 º 25.11 ’ E, 2 wet specs. R = 8.7 r = 4.2; R = 6.2 r = 2.9 USNM 3036 Hong Kong. Coll. W. Stimpson, North Pacific Exploring Expedition. 3 wet specs. R = 6.1 r = 2.8, R = 5.7 r = 2.7, R = 5.7 r = 2.5	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263A5D7461C4B838FEE84175.taxon	description	FIGURE 40 A – B	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263A5D7461C4B838FEE84175.taxon	discussion	Comments Adults of this species are immediately recognizable based on their pentagonal, thick, cushion-like body shape with body covered by variably large and small granules and tubercles covering the abactinal, marginal and actinal body surface. Smaller individuals (R <5.0 cm) show a flattened abactinal surface covered by granules and more closely resemble members of the Goniasteridae. These “ inflate ” as they grow larger attaining their cushion-like shape as R> 6.0 cm (approximately) (Kano et al. 1991). Observed individuals were brown with dark gray to black papular regions with small white spines around the anus and white to yellow colored actinal granules and adambulacral spines along the tube foot furrow. The individual in the image was feeding on a sponge on the rock. Culcita novaeguineae is a widely occurring Pacific species whose variation has been the basis for numerous synonymies across its range, as summarized in A. M. Clark (1992). Similar to other widely occurring Indo-Pacific asteroid species, such as the Crown of Thorns (Acanthaster spp.), this taxon is likely a complex, including multiple cryptic species. Glynn & Krupp (1986) reported this species from Hawaiian settings as corallivores of Scleractinia, notably Pocillopora. No observations of Culcita novaeguineae predating on coral have been made from Hong Kong waters. It is unclear which coral species this species feeds upon in this area. Culcita novaeguineae possesses several faunal associates, known from observations throughout its range. For example, Britayaev & Fauchald (2005) documented the scale worm associate, Asterophilia culcitae from C. novaeguineae in Vietnam. Association of the shrimp, Periclimenes koror was documented from the French Polynesian island Moorea (Olliff 2013). Although documented from southern China by Liao & Clark (1995), this documents the first occurrence of this species from Hong Kong.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF263A5D7461C4B838FEE84175.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong. Throughout the Indo-Pacific. Southern China, Southern Japan, Philippines, the northern Australian coast, Indonesia, New Caledonia, south to Pitcairn Island, east to the Andaman Islands, east coast of Africa, 0 – 30 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26385D7A61C4BFF1FB604152.taxon	description	FIGURE 41 A – C	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26385D7A61C4BFF1FB604152.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified based on the well-expressed carinal and adradial spination, large single pedicellariae on the inferomarginal plates, the numerous actinal pedicellariae and body shape as outlined by Liao & Clark (1995). Distinctions for this species based on the number of “ adambulacral spine rows ”, as established by Liao & Clark (1995) are more difficult to establish when compared with similar species such as Anthenea chinensis. Liao & Clark (1995) outline the distinction between A. difficilis from A. chinensis and others based on two versus three adambulacral spine series respectively. However, most specimens of A. difficilis listed by Liao & Clark were relatively small, with most showing R = ~ 45 mm but ranging from 20 to 56 mm whereas those observed herein are approximately twice the size. Liao & Clark also mention that the subambulacral rows are oblique and the addition of one or two additional spines would from two rows of subambulacrals. Larger sized individuals observed herein would presumably show an additional row of subambulacral spines. Fujita & Marsh (2002) accounted for the two rows of ambulacral spination and accordingly moved this species into Gymnanthenea. In situ o bservations of this species showed a wide range of color variation, which agrees with colors as described by Liao & Clark (1995). This includes orange and red banding and coloration on arms and disk with some individuals showing mottled orange patches all along the abactinal surface contrasted by gray, olive, green and dark colors. Furthermore, there was one six-armed specimen collected from Steep Island.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26385D7A61C4BFF1FB604152.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 5 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong. Southern China, Guangdong and Fujian Province. “ shallow water ” Observed on rocky wall, 3 – 20 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26385D7A61C4BFF1FB604152.taxon	description	Description Body stellate (R / r = 2.38), arms triangular, wide at base, interradial arcs curved. Disk and arms thickened. Body surface covered by thick dermis. Armtips upturned, overall shape curved, terminating at a fine point. Abactinal surface covered by dermis with widely spaced coarse granules, continuous with dermis on superomarginal plates. Skeleton reticulate. Granules larger, most widely spaced on distalmost arm surface but most coarse surrounding papular pore regions along arms. Papular pores, 6 to 30, mostly 12 to 20, present on disk and arms, but absent interradially. Papulae separated by mesh-like network, present especially on disk and along radial arm regions to armtip. Large granules interspersed between papulae on each papular pore. Prominent blunt spines present primarily along radial region along arms. Carinal series composed of one or two conical spines per plate, 11 to 16 along each arm at R = 6.2, with largest spines present proximally, tapering out at approximately 80 % of distance along the arm before the tip. Although most are full grown, some spines appear to be regrown and are only 25 % of the size of the others. Two full adradial series of smaller, blunt spines in single series on either side of the carinal series with other shorter series of blunt spines along adradial arm regions on disk. Interradial regions devoid of spines or papulae, forming a “ fold ” which corresponds to contact between interradial superomarginal plates. Large bivalve pedicellariae, approximately 1 – 2 mm in length, each flanked by 4 to 6 blunt spines. Approximately 1 to 3 pedicellariae present primarily on proximal arms regions or on disk. Madreporite large, approximately 5.0 mm in diameter, flanked by approximately 7 to 8 papular regions. Marginal plates, approximately 28 – 30 per interradius (15 along each arm), call covered by thick dermis. Superomarginals approximately 30 per interradius, inferomarginals 28 (14 along each arm) oriented vertically interradially, but forming more of a peripheral edge distally along the arms. Superomarginals and inferomarginals show 1: 1 correspondence, separated by discrete groove between them. Interradial disk “ fold ” shows direct association with contact between interradial superomarginal plates. Superomarginals with large, round tubercles, 1 to 4 with 6 to 40 smaller tubercles (approximately 20 % of the size of larger tubercles) present on the plate surface. Tubercles / granules on superomarginal plates more homogeneous in size distally along arm distance. No pedicellariae observed on superomarginals. Inferomarginal plates covered by large, round tubercles, up to 40 on plate surface. One large bivalve pedicellariae bisecting plate at an oblique angle flanked by tubercles. Actinal surface composed of quadrate to polygonal plates in chevron-like formation in 3 to 4 incomplete series. Surface covered by coarse conical, weakly pointed granules, 6 to 15, close-set, irregularly arranged. Large bivalve pedicellariae, 6 to 8 present on intermediate plates, each approximately 2 mm in length. Actinal plate series adjacent to adambulacral plates each with a large bivalve pedicellariae, approximately 3 mm in length oriented at oblique to transverse angles relative to the adambulacral plates. Furrow spines 5 to 6, webbed, subambulacral spines in 2 irregularly arranged rows. Subambulacral spines adjacent to but spaced from furrow spines, each thick and enlarged, each approximately 2 to 3 times the thickness of the furrow spines with a third row of subambulacral spines similarly thick and enlarged. Furrow spines on oral plates, 9 to 10, webbed similar in size, shape to those along arms. Oral plate surface covered by 7 to 8 thick, blunt spines, all oral plates covered by dermis.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26385D7A61C4BFF1FB604152.taxon	materials_examined	Material Examined USNM 3036 Hong Kong, China. Coll. W. Stimpson. 3 wet specs. R = 5.8 r = 2.6 R = 6.1 r = 2.8 R = 5.1 r = 2.4. CASIZ 308834, on rock. Breaker reef in Mirs Bay NE of Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, China, 22 º 27.78 ’ N, 114 º 25.11 ’ E. 3 m. Coll. Coral Reef Research Foundation, 4 Oct. 1994 1 wet spec. R = 6.2 r = 2.6.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26365D7A61C4BFD5FB2F446D.taxon	description	Pentaceraster is a highly diverse member of the Oreasteridae which currently includes 14 species and occurs widely across the Indo-Pacific. Although formally described by Döderlein, (1916, 1935, 1936), there is substantial variation within and among Pentaceraster species and other genera within the Oreasteridae, leading to some taxonomic controversy between species (e. g. Oreaster occidentalis and Pentaceraster cumingi). A guide and checklist of Pentaceraster spp. in Southern China and Hong Kong was presented by Liao & Clark (1995) with a key to species across the Indo-Pacific by Clark & Rowe (1971). We record two species, Pentaceraster alveolatus and Pentaceraster sibogae from Hong Kong waters, in addition to Pentaceraster magnificus as recorded from Hong Kong by Liao & Clark (1995) bringing the total number of Pentaceraster in Hong Kong to three. Pentaceraster magnificus (Goto 1914) was compared with Pentaceraster regulus forma cebuana and Pentaceraster japonicus Döderlein 1916. Descriptions of these species list the absent spination from the abactinal-lateral and marginal surfaces, suggesting they all likely conspecific with Pentaceraster magnificus. A more formal account of this synonymy is in preparation. The other two species of Pentaceraster in Hong Kong are differentiated based on spination present on the marginal plates. Pentaceraster sibogae displays spines on all marginal plates with strongly developed spination on the abactinal and lateral surfaces, whereas Pentaceraster alveolatus displays spines only on the distal inferomarginal plates with indistinct or weakly developed abactinal-lateral spination. Relatively little is known regarding the biology and ecology of Pentaceraster. Thomassin (1976) observed Pentaceraster mammilatus in the Indian Ocean, occurring primarily on eelgrass where he believed they were feeding on microalgae and biofilms. However observation herein suggests a broader range of prey.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26365D7961C4BA89FAFA4515.taxon	description	FIGURE 42 A – B	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26365D7961C4BA89FAFA4515.taxon	discussion	Comments Although this species has been recorded from southern China by Liao & Clark (1995), this represents the first occurrence of this species in Hong Kong. Morphology and color of this species is highly variable across its range. Even for individuals in the Hong Kong area, several color and spine variations have been observed. Morphologically, some individuals show a much broader disk with more triangular arms (R / r = 3.3 – 3.5) versus others with a smaller disk and narrower arms (R = 2.3 – 2.8). Abactinal spine morphology also varies, with some individuals showing more conical and blunt tips versus others which show large, round tubercles with no pointed tips. Spine position appears consistent in observed individuals with disk spines occurring on the primary circlet and the carinal series irregularly present along the radius of each arm with few to no prominent spines on the abactinal-lateral regions of the disk and arms. Colors, show a highly diverse range among observed specimens, including red to orange with frosted white highlights and yellow spines, blue-gray with dark blue to black highlights with orange spines, to orange-brown with white spines and highlights. One color morphotype of this species, showed a superficial resemblance with Poraster superbus in having more elongate arms and a higher R / r ratio (3.3 to 3.5) and round bulb-like carinal spines along the arms. Poraster superbus is apparently reported from Japanese waters (Kogure & Igei 2013). However, specimens observed from Hong Kong demonstrate granules covering the bulb-like carinal spines and lack the interradial, inter marginal plates which characterize Poraster.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26365D7961C4BA89FAFA4515.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 – 15 m. Outside Hong Kong. Hainan Island, Widely occurring throughout the Indo-Pacific. Southern Japan, China, Guam, New Caledonia, Samoa, Indonesia, Philippines, Western Australia, 1 – 54 m (Marsh & Fromont 2020).	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26355D7F61C4BB1EFCE54176.taxon	description	FIGURE 42 C – D, 43 A – F	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26355D7F61C4BB1EFCE54176.taxon	discussion	Comments This species was identified based on descriptions summarized by Liao & Clark (1995) and Döderlein (1936). Diagnostic characters used include the presence of large carinal spines and abactinal-lateral spines on both the disk and arm, as well as spines present on all of the superomarginal spines. This species varies widely however, demonstrating a broad range of body shape with highly variable R / r ratios demonstrating more elongate versus more triangular arms in some individuals as well as a variably thick to arched disk as well as a large number of color patterns ranging from disk and arms with light blue to red to spines with dark red to yellow or white respectively. The interradial arcs in some individuals ranged from weakly curved to straight to more acute. No oral side characters, such as furrow spines or subambulacrals, were observed. The high degree of variation suggests further work into the possibility of cryptic taxa across this widely occurring species. Figures 43 C and 43 D show Hong Kong specimens with variable arm number, six and four respectively. This represents the first occurrence of this species in Hong Kong.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26355D7F61C4BB1EFCE54176.taxon	distribution	Occurrence / Distribution Hong Kong, 10 – 20 m. Outside Hong Kong. Southern China, Hainan Island, Borneo Bank and Indonesia. 10 m.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
03BF87BF26355D7F61C4BB1EFCE54176.taxon	discussion	DISCUSSION General Comments Our work presents multiple new observations of echinoderms in Hong Kong, including five new occurrences for Asteroidea and eleven new occurrences for Echinoidea (Tables 1 and 2). The species outlined herein have been previously recorded from the South China Sea, but not specifically from Hong Kong. Liao & Clark (1995) summarized multiple species from southern China but which were notably absent from Hong Kong. This includes larger, very prominent urchin species such as Prionocidaris baculosa and Coelopleurus maculatus. Liao & Clark (1995) described the occurrence of Linckia laevigata, Echinaster luzonicus, Diadema savigny i and Tripneustes gratilla as uncommon, with individual species showing uneven distribution patterns. For example, Echinaster luzonicus and Tripneustes gratilla are regularly spotted at specific sites such as the Ninepin Islands. In other instances, some species are not seen frequently. For example, since 2014, only one sighting of Linckia laevigata and four of Diadema savignyi, respectively, have been made. Although commonly encountered elsewhere, these species are not frequently observed in the waters of Hong Kong. The further discoveries of new occurrence in Hong Kong are attributed largely to improved reporting and surveys of deeper and more remote areas than have previously been accessible without SCUBA. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, have facilitated sharing of images and permitted contact between photographers and professional taxonomists. Citizen scientist platforms, such as iNaturalist (https: // www. inaturalist. org / home) have archived records of taxon imagery for specific areas, as shared by regional photographers. This publication would not have taken place without shared images via social media.	en	Yiu, Sam King Fung, Mah, Christopher L. (2024): New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong. Zootaxa 5526 (1): 1-69, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5526.1.1
