The Swain Reefs Expedition: Ophiuroidea
Abstract
Thirty species of ophiuroids collected at the Swain Reefs, north-east of the Capricorn Channel near the southern limit of the Great Barrier Reef are discussed. The ophiocomid genus Ophiopsila Forbes is newly recorded for Australian waters with the description of a new species. In addition, there are six new species records for Australia and a further two species are newly reported for the Great Barrier Reef itself. Extensive colour notes for the living brittlestars are reported together with new extensions of species' ranges.
