Deep-sea Ophiuroidea (Echinodermata) from the Danish Galathea II Expedition, 1950–52, with taxonomic revisions

• DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4963.3.6
• Publication Date: 2021-04-20T01:59:22Z
• Authors: SABINE STÖHR; TIMOTHY D. O’HARA
• Keywords: Polyphyly; Subspecies

The brittle star samples collected by the Danish cruise ‘Galathea II’ (1950–52) had not been studied completely. We examined remaining deep-sea (>400 m) and present species inventory, discussing taxonomic issues in relation to recent phylogenetic data. About 235 were examined, over 9,300 individuals, from 67 74 sampling localities, at depths of 425–5340 m. complex Amphiophiura bullata (Thomson, 1877) is morphologically well separated, but molecular data suggest least two clades. propose apply A. for Atlantic Australian populations convexa (Lyman, 1878) North Pacific clade. consider pacifica Litvinova, 1971 conspecific with convexa. Ophiuroglypha irrorata its subspecies are a polyphyletic group unclear morphological boundaries. transfer Ophiura ossiculata (Koehler, 1908), plana (Lütken & Mortensen, 1899) scomba Paterson, 1985 Ophiuroglypha. Silax Fell, 1962, until now synonymised Amphioplus Verrill, 1899, proposed as valid genus S. verrilli 1879), consors daleus patulus 1879) magnificus 1907). Triplodia Turner Hallen, 2011 (a replacement name Triodia M. Clark, 1970, due homonymy) Silax, possible specimens type abdita 1970 analysed. limits Ophiacantha cosmica Lyman, 1879 Lütken 1899 could be confirmed morphologically, published O. Northern/Central population Southern Pacific/Antarctic population.