Indianastra sarasini (deLoriol 1897)

(with synonym Asterina orthodon Fisher)

FIGURE 30

Comments

A species characterized by a strongly petaloid shape with flat abactinal plates, carrying a chevron of 10–15 spinelets, actinal plates with a linear series of 3–5 spinelets, 10–12 marginal spines and 5–6 furrow spines. Liao & Clark (1995) describe this species as being a dull green, with a red central patch, edged with yellow and off white on the actinal surface. Some individuals were exceptionally red-salmon colored. Asterina orthodon, as described by Fisher, (1922) is a synonym as per Waters & O’Loughlin (2004). A recent review of this species is summarized in Marsh & Fromont (2020).

Nothing is known regarding its feeding habits or ecology, although it seems likely similar to other small asterinids, such as Aquilonastra, in feeding on debris and microfilm present on the substratum (Jangoux 1982).

Occurrence/Distribution

Hong Kong, 6 m.

South China, Japan, Sri-Lanka and Bay of Bengal, coastal northern Australia from Western Australia to the Great Barrier Reef, 0–42 m. (after Marsh & Fromont 2020).