Aquilonastra O’Loughlin

Pourvali, Naser, Aliabadi, Mohammad-Ali Salari, Salamat, Negin, Hesni, Majid Askari, Ranjbar, Mohammad Sharif, Carter, Hugh & Price, Andrew. R. G., 2025, Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key, Zootaxa 5647 (3), pp. 201-234 : 222

Genus Aquilonastra O’Loughlin in O’Loughlin & Waters, 2004

Type: Asteriscus cepheus Müller & Troschel, 1842 , by original designation

Diagnosis: Rays 5 (but typically 6–8 in fissiparous species), form stellate with interradial margin deepy incurved and rays discrete, broad at the base and tapering to a rounded distal end. Body surface flat actinally, high and convex abactinally. Abactinal plates in longitudinal series not perpendicular to the body margin, abactinal and actinal spinelets/spines predominantly fine, glassy, conical or sacciform in bands or tufts, numerous (typically 10–40 per plate). Papulate areas generally extensive, papulae predominantly single, large and in longitudinal series along rays. Superactinal plates present. Modified from O’Loughlin & Waters, 2004.