Pentagonaster dubeni

Scientific name: Pentagonaster dubeni
  • Author(s)
    Jen Cork
  • Updated
    18/12/20
  • Read time
    2 minutes
J24325 Pentagonaster dubeni Click to enlarge image
J24325 Pentagonaster dubeni Image: Stephen Keeble
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Pentagonaster
    Species
    dubeni
  • Size Range
    Width 80mm

Identification:

Flattened with five rigid, slightly tapering, arms that are subequal in length to the cental disc and bluntly rounded distally. Arms are separated by obtusely rounded arcs. Dorsal surface with a network of polygonal plates that are largest and broadly rectangular along margins, red-orange plates separated by fine, yellow-white incisions.

Distribution:

Temperate inshore and continental shelf areas from southern Qld south to Tasmania and west to Shark Bay, WA. Depth range 0-160 m.

Australian Museum registration database records for the Sydney region:

Australian Museum registration database records for the Sydney region:
Long Reef; Port Jackson (Quarantine Bay; Wy-ar-gine Point); Cronulla area (Bate Bay; Boat Harbour). Depth range 1-31 m.

Habitat:

Moderately exposed and sheltered reef.

Taxonomic information - synonyms and type material:

Pentagonaster dubeni Gray, 1847: 79.
Type data: holotype (probable) BMNH 1846.6.7.27.
Type locality: 'W Australia'.

Astrogonium crassimanum Möbius,1859: 9, pl. 2(1-2).
Type data: holotype (probable) whereabouts unknown
Type locality: 'E Indies'.

Pentagonaster stibarus Clark 1914: 136, pl. 17.
Type data: holotype WAM Z1743 (larger of the two specimens; old number: 4916), paratype(s) WAM 1744 1 specimen (old number: 4916).
Type locality: between Fremantle and Geraldton, WA.

J24325 Pentagonaster dubeni

Pentagonaster dubeni

Image: Stephen Keeble
© Australian Museum

Links for further information:

Atlas of Living Australia

World Register of Marine Species

Remarks:

Readily found at Bare Island and Inscription Point, Botany Bay, in spring and summer months, 2007-2008, and ‘Jolong Reef’ approximately 700m north east of Cape Banks at ~20m depth, November 2008.

Additional references:

Clark (1946) (as Pentagonaster crassimanus (Möbius, 1859)); Marsh (1991); Edgar (1997).