Revision of the Southern Hemisphere Asteroidea Order Paxillosida

Abstract

Collections, mainly from Antarctic and Subantarctic waters from the basis for the revision of the Southern Hemisphere representatives of the Order Paxillosida (Asteroidea). One new family, the family Pentopliidae, with one species, Pentoplia felli, characterised by the five very large, actinal, “grab-like” pedicellariae, is described here as well as a further 3 new genera and 13 new species. Many new distribution records, particularly for Antarctic and Subantarctic areas are established. There are keys for all taxa and in most cases complete descriptions of species are given. Distribution of species is discussed throughout the text.