Taxonomy, biodiversity and biogeography of the brittle stars (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) of South Africa

The South African Ophiuroidea were last reviewed by Clark and Courtman-Stock in 1976. In the current investigation, the systematics of the group is thus revised in its entirety for the first time in 40 years. The data used originated from a number of sources. Existing data were sourced from i) published literature, ii) large expeditions or survey data, iii) South African institutional collections and iv) international museums. The majority of new records and data were sourced from previously unidentified specimens deposited in the collections of various South African and international museums and/or institutions, as well as from photographic records and some new, project-specific collecting. A review is presented of the history of ophiuroid taxonomy in South Africa highlighting the progression of research and of species discovery in the region since 1783. All new records of Ophiuroidea from South Africa since (and including) 1977 are documented, with each species account detailing key references, distribution, ecology and additional remarks. As a result, an additional 28 species are added to the known fauna of the mainland Exclusive Economic Zone of continental South Africa, raising the total known number of ophiuroid species in the region to 136. The genus Ophiocoma Agassiz (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea: Ophiurida: Ophiocomidae) is reviewed and the number of species in South Africa increased from four to eight. All species are briefly discussed in terms of taxonomy, geographic distribution and ecology. Furthermore, the juveniles of O. brevipes, which were found on the ventral side of some adult Ophiocoma brevipes specimens, are described in detail. The distribution of the type material of O. scolopendrina has led to some confusion, and it is considered appropriate to establish a neotype from the original type locality (Mauritius).

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Olbers, Jennifer M

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Griffiths, Charles L
• Samyn, Yves

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/22906

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/22906