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Issue: Vol. 5647 No. 3: 16 Jun. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-06-16
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1
Page range: 201-234
Abstract views: 159
PDF downloaded: 13

Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key

Department of Marine Biology; Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology; Khorramshahr; Iran
Department of Marine Biology; Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology; Khorramshahr; Iran
Department of Marine Biology; Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology; Khorramshahr; Iran
Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman; Kerman; Iran
Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman; Kerman; Iran
Department of Marine Biology; Faculty of Marine Science and Technology; University of Hormozgan; Bandar Abbas; Iran
Natural History Museum; Cromwell Road; London; SW7 5BD; UK, School of Life Sciences; University of Warwick; Coventry; CV4 7AL; UK
Coleoptera soil mesovoid shallow substratum biodiversity new data distribution taxonomy

Abstract

Sea stars are common seashore animals in many regions. Field surveys along the mainland coast and at 12 islands in the northern and eastern Persian Gulf were undertaken from 2017 to 2022. Intertidal surveys were based on qualitative sampling, while subtidal sampling (to 25 m depth) involved scuba diving and use of a Peterson grab. From the collections, 9 sea star species were identified. Morphological and ecological notes are provided for the observed species. An identification key, and checklist of all Asteroidea reported from the Persian Gulf (26 species), are also provided.

 

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How to Cite

Pourvali, N., Aliabadi, M.-A.S., Salamat, N., Hesni, M.A., Ranjbar, M.S., Carter, H. & Price, A.R. (2025) Systematics, distribution and ecology of sea stars (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and a revised identification key. Zootaxa, 5647 (3), 201–234. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.3.1