Calliaster nazaninae
A sparsely armed sea star from deep waters off New Caledonia.
Calliaster nazaninae is a sea star from the Goniasteridae family, living in the waters off New Caledonia. Its name honors Sara Nazanin Alexander of the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). Compared to relatives like *Calliaster hystrix* and *Calliaster kyros*, it has noticeably fewer spines, especially on the central disk. In that regard, it resembles the Pacific species *Calliaster childreni* and *Calliaster elegans*, both of which also have a relatively flat disk with few spines.
The body is flat and star-shaped, with broad-based, triangular arms ending in pointed tips. A dark or black outline runs along the edges of the abactinal (upper) and marginal plates. The upper plates are flat, with spines only on the innermost radial plates and the primary circlet. Each arm has about 3 to 6 superomarginal plates that meet or nearly meet, starting roughly halfway along the arm. These plates are square and flat, with 14 per arm side (28 per interradius), and the innermost ones bear 2 to 4 conical, pointed spines, with similar spines running in a row along the dorsolateral angle. The actinal (lower) area has just 1 or 2 incomplete rows, limited to the disk region. There are 7 to 10 slender, pointed furrow spines arranged in a star-like pattern. Subambulacral spines start as 2, then become 1 toward the arm tips; they are thick, prominent, and blunt but pointed.
This species is known only from off New Caledonia, at depths between 150 and 282 meters.
Quick Facts
- Genus
- Calliaster
- Species
- nazaninae
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The species Calliaster nazaninae was named for Sara Nazanin Alexander of the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). It shows a marked contrast to Calliaster hystrix and Calliaster kyros in having observably few spines, with the disk armament especially minimized. It shows some resemblance to the Pacific Calliaster childreni and Calliaster elegans in having a relatively flattened disk with few disk spines.
Its body is flat and stellate, with broad-based, triangular arms that have pointed tips. A dark to black outline is present around the periphery of the abactinal and marginal plates. Abactinal plates are flattened, with spines present only on the proximalmost radial plates and primary circlet. The arm is composed of approximately 3 to 6 fully or partially abutted superomarginal plates beginning about halfway along the arm's length. Superomarginal plates are quadrate and flattened, with 14 per arm side (28 per interradius), bearing 2 to 4 conical pointed spines on the proximalmost plates, with identical spines in series along the dorsolateral angle.
The actinal area is composed of 1 or 2 incomplete series, limited to the disk region. Furrow spines number 7 to 10, are slender and pointed, and arranged in a stellate pattern. Subambulacral spines number 2, then 1 distally, and are prominent, thick, with blunt but pointed tips. The species is known from off New Caledonia at depths of 150 to 282 meters.
Reader's Guide
Calliaster nazaninae contributes to the understanding of morphological variation within the genus Calliaster, particularly in spine reduction. Its few spines and flattened disk distinguish it from species like Calliaster hystrix and Calliaster kyros, while its resemblance to Calliaster childreni and Calliaster elegans suggests a possible Pacific lineage. The species' armature details—such as the 7 to 10 furrow spines arranged in a stellate pattern and the prominent subambulacral spines—provide specific taxonomic characters for identification. Its known distribution is restricted to off New Caledonia at depths between 150 and 282 meters, adding to the biogeographic knowledge of deep-water Goniasteridae. The naming after Sara Nazanin Alexander of ITIS highlights the role of taxonomic infrastructure in species recognition. The species' description, including the dark outline on plates and the arrangement of superomarginal plates, offers a clear morphological baseline for future comparisons within the family.
Did You Know?
- It has a dark to black outline around the periphery of the abactinal and marginal plates.
- Furrow spines number 7 to 10 and are arranged in a stellate pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calliaster nazaninae?
It is a sparsely armed sea star belonging to the Goniasteridae family, found in deep waters off New Caledonia. The species is notable for its relatively flat, star-shaped body and a low overall spine count compared to many of its relatives.
Where and how deep does Calliaster nazaninae live?
This species inhabits the waters surrounding New Caledonia, typically at depths between 150 and 282 meters. That places it well below the photic zone, in the upper part of the bathyal zone.
Who is Calliaster nazaninae named after?
The specific epithet honors Sara Nazanin Alexander, a contributor to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). The name is a direct tribute to her work in taxonomic curation.
How does Calliaster nazaninae differ from Calliaster hystrix or C. kyros?
It carries noticeably fewer spines, particularly across the central disk, giving it a smoother appearance than those heavily armed relatives. In that respect it looks more like the Pacific species C. childreni and C. elegans, which also feature a flatter, less spiny disk.
What are the key morphological details of Calliaster nazaninae?
The body is flat and star-shaped with five broad-based, triangular arms that taper to pointed tips. It bears 7 to 10 furrow spines and a subambulacral spine row of two proximally that reduces to one distally, keeping the overall armament quite light.
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