McKnight, D.G. 2000. The marine fauna of New Zealand: Basket-stars and snake-stars (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea: Euryalinida). Wellington, NZ: NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research). NIWA Biodiversity Memoir 115, 79 p., 33 col. pls.
Abstract
The euryalinid fauna of the New Zealand region is now known to comprise some 33 species in 15 genera, with all families of the order represented. This review is based on collections held by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the Museum of New Zealand (NMNZ), comprising over 1650 specimens. Four new species are added to the fauna (in the genera Asteroschema, Ophiocreas, and new genus Astroniwa), and two new records (Astrotoma drachi and Astrodia tenuispina). Four species are restricted to the continental shelf (< 200 m) and a further seven occur on the continental slope. Most of the species (16) occur on the slope between 200 m and 2000 m. Only three species are known from depths below 2000 m. Seven species are known from the far north of the region, while nine extend further south; two species are known only from the central New Zealand area, three are more southern in distribution, and eight are more or less widespread. Nine species are endemic to the region. Five species form a distinct element, present elsewhere only in Australian seas; 12 species form a relatively widespread lndo-West Pacific element; one is more or less circumpolar in temperate waters, and three species are geographically widespread (auth).