Ophiomyxa neglecta (Koehler, 1904)

Fig. 24h, 25a–e

Ophiodera neglecta Koehler, 1904: 153–154, pl. 28(6–7). — Koehler, 1922a: 20–22, pl. 6(3,7–8). — Liao & Clark, A.M. 1995: 154–155, fig. 63.

Ophiomyxa neglecta . — Clark, H.L., 1915: 170.

STUDY MATERIAL. — MD208: stn DW4887, Walters Shoal, Pentes, 33° 17.23´S, 43° 55.44´E to 33° 16.98´S, 43° 56.6899´E, 599–640 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1064); 8 (MNHN IE.2016.1364) . — MD208: stn DW4888, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 9.7´S, 43° 56.8199´E to 33° 10.33´S, 43° 57.32´E, 299–311 m, 3/5/2017: 2 (MNHN IE.2016.1343) (DNA code= IE.2016.1343) . — MD208: stn DW4889, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 9.7´S, 43° 57.1099´E to 33° 9.12´S, 43° 57.9899´E, 353–465 m, 3/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1348) . — MD208: stn DW4892, Walters shoal, Pentes, 33° 10.92´S, 44° 0.025´E to 33° 11.63´S, 44° 0.8201´E, 624–646 m, 4/5/2017: 1 (MNHN IE.2016.1349) .

COMPARATIVE MATERIAL EXAMINED. Ophiomyxa bengalensis Koehler,1897:EXBODI/CP3883, Volcan-Mont Vauban, 22° 21.3´S, 171° 38.9´E, 433–516 m, 18/9/2011, MNHN IE.2007.7148 (DNA code= IE.2007.7148). Ophiomyxa neglecta (Koehler, 1904): BIOPAPUA/DW3732, Au large des îles et récifs Lancasay, 8° 16´S, 150° 29´E, 340–358 m, 9/10/2010, MNHN IE.2012.677 (DNA code= OM5); MNHN IE.2023.4073 (DNA code=BP90). MIRIKY/DW3197, Ouest du Cap d’Ambre, 12° 7.04´S, 48° 56.9298´E to 12° 6.63´S, 48° 58.0398´E, 362–431 m, 28/6/2009, MNHN IE.2013.1232 (DNA code=IE.2013.1232).

Distribution. W Indian Ocean (362–431 m), E Indo-W Pacific (76–1418 m), Walters Shoal (299–646 m).

Remarks. These specimens of Ophiomyxa neglecta (up to 18 mm dd) differ from other SWIO species in having to 4 triangular to truncate oral papillae that have a glassy edge, but without notable serrations, and tend to be separate and not overlapping. There are typically only 3 (rarely 4) pointed arm spines that do not exceed the segment in length, and there is not a continuous row of scales along the disc margin. Live photos (Fig. 24h) show a greyish disc with arms that are brightly banded yellow/red every 3 or so segments. Genetically, the Walters Shoal sample is most similar to an upper bathyal sample collected from the North of Madagascar (IE.2013.1232) and then to specimens from Papua New Guinea. Ophiomyxa bengalensis Koehler, 1897 differs in having notable white calcareous bodies in the skin of the disc. Similar ossicles can be observed in the smallest (up to 7 mm dd) of the Walters Shoal O. neglecta specimens.