The First Record of Ophioteichus multispinum (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from Japan, with Notes on Its Ossicle Description and Ecology

Abstract

Three specimens of Ophioteichus multispinum H. L. Clark, 1938 are redescribed from approximately 2.3–12.6 m water depth at Sabiura, Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture in central Japan. The species occurs completely buried on sandy bottoms. Ossicle morphology is described. Based strictly on images, we present in situ occurrence of the genus Ophioteichus H. L. Clark, 1938 from the intertidal regions of Susami, Wakayama Prefecture, and Tosashimizu, Kochi Prefecture.