Circeaster pullus Mah 2006

Mah, Christopher L., 2015, New species, corallivory, in situ video observations and overview of the Goniasteridae (Valvatida, Asteroidea) in the Hawaiian Region, Zootaxa 3926 (2), pp. 211-228 : 222

Circeaster pullus Mah 2006

Figure 4 B, C

Mah 2006: 940.

Feeding comments. Circeaster pullus is a widely occurring Pacific species, described from the Hawaiian Islands by Mah (2006), who also documented this species feeding on unidentified octocoral/gorgonian skeletons ( Mah 2006: 948-499). Additional images of C. pullus include (P5-690-d2-11522, P5-690-d5-3819; P5-690-d5-3835) which show the oral side of a goniasterid crawling along the branches of an apparent isidid octocoral ( Figs 4 B, C).

One image (P5-280-hi8-05129) shows what appears to be C. pullus with its disk swollen and extended above the plane of the arms and marginal plate series ( Fig. 4 B) feeding on an isidid octocoral. The animal appears to be positioned above rocks with octocorals beneath it, suggesting predation. The swollen disk in C. pullu s is presumably filled with water and resembles the same type of swollen disk observed in other goniasterids such as Ceramaster granularis ( Gale et al. 2013) .

Video observations. Keaholu Pt., Big Island: P5-280-hi8-05129. 20.6501, -156.04301, 550 m. Twin Banks, NWHI: P5-690-d5-11522, P5-690-d5-03835, P5-690-d5-03819. 23.049283, -163.1613, 1430–1433 m.

Figures

FIGURE 4. In situ video observations of other Goniasteridae. A. Calliderma emma in situ on sandy substrate B. C irceaster pullus feeding on isidid octorcoral. C. C. pullus with swollen disk, likely feeding on isidid octocoral. D. Hippasteria muscipula feeding on isidid ocotocrals, off Kona, HI. E. H. muscipula feeding on soft coral in Celebes Sea. F. Plinthaster ceramoidea feeding on Gerardia?