Astroboa clavata (Lyman, 1861)

(Fig. 5D–J)

Astrophyton clavatum Lyman, 1861: 85 .

Astroboa clavata . — Döderlein, 1911: 80. Pl. 5, figs 6,6a; 1912: 269, pl.16, figs 1, 1b, 16, pl. 18, fig. 8; 1927: 38, pl.5, figs 5,6; Putchakarn and Sonchaeng, 2004: 421; Venkatraman et al, 2013: 208.

Material Examined. Anton Bruun Cruise 9, Indian Ocean, Comoro islands, Mayotta Island, Bandeli Reef, 13° 30’ S, 045°16’ E, 23 – 26 November 1964, 1 specimen, now lost ; USNM 1072477, Anton Bruun Cruise 9 Station 465, off NE Somalia, 11° 37’ N 51° 27’ E, 67–72 m, 18 December 1964, 1 specimen (Fig. 5D–J).

Remarks. This species is characterised by having prominent radial shields and a covering of minute thorny granules (Fig. 5D, F, G). Similar granules extend into the oral interbrachial areas.

The arm segments are separated by marked depressions with thickened edges (Fig. 5H). There is also a median furrow along the aboral sutures of each arm (Fig. 5I). Girdle bands with hooklets occur terminally on each arm (Fig. 5J).

A. clavata was first collected off Zanzibar, and has subsequently been found in the waters of the Persian Gulf, Bay of Bengal, Mauritius, and northwestern Australia (Rowe & Gates, 1995).