Sclerasterias dubia (H.L. Clark, 1909)

Scientific name: Sclerasterias dubia

Author(s)

Jen Cork
Updated

01/12/22
Read time

2 minutes

J.13080 Australiaster dubia Image: Stephen Keeble
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

Classification

Genus

Sclerasterias

Species

dubia
Size Range

Width to 80-320 mm

Identification:

Similar to several other species from the Sydney region, such as Allostichaster polyplax, Astrostole rudolphi and Coscinasterias muricata in having spines in rows along the upper (aboral surface) of the arms, and lower (oral) surface with four rows of tube feet, but readily distinguished by having fewer arms (five).

Distribution:

Inshore, continental shelf and slope areas, from off Crowdy Head, NSW to circum-Tas and to south coast of SA. Depth range 27-500 m.

Australian Museum registration database records for the Sydney region:

off Barrenjoey Lighthouse; Long Reef near Collaroy; 8-9.5 km off Coogee; 1.5 km off Botany Bay. Depth range 42-91 m.

Taxonomic information - synonyms and type material:

Coscinasterias dubia Clark, 1909: 532, pls 49(3-4), 50(1-2).
Type data: syntypes AM J392 1 specimen, AM J1033-4 2 specimens, AM J1025-7 4 specimens, AM J1030 1 specimen, AM G11432 1 specimen, MCZ, AM J1024 1 specimen, NHRM.
Type locality: Coogee, NSW, Botany Bay, NSW.