The first report of Asterodiscides fourmanoiri (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from the North Coast of Oman Sea, Iran

Abstract

Echinoderms with around 7,000 species can be found at all depths of the marine ecosystems. Body shape is radially symmetrical, covered by calcareous plates and five body parts are around a central axis. The class of Asteroidea (also known as starfish or sea star) is one of the most diverse groups within the phylum Echinodermata, including nearly 1900 extant species grouped into 36 families, and approximately 370 extant genera (Blake and Mah, 2014). They generally have a central disc from which radiate five arms. The aboral disk surface (the top surface opposite the mouth) could be smooth and leathery, granular, spiny, and is coated with different plates (Lambert, 2000). Many species found in a variety of colors such as red, orange, blue, grey or brown (O'Loughlin <em>et al</em>., 2003).