Meridiastra


Meridiastra is a genus of starfish in the family Asterinidae. The genus is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with most records from the waters around Australia. They occur in shallow waters down to a depth of about. Meridiastra are morphologically similar to the Atlantic genus Asterina. They are also phylogenetically close and possibly sister genera.

Etymology

The generic name is derived from the Latin meridies and astrum, in reference to the southern Australian and Pacific distribution of the genus.

Description

Meridiastra are sea stars with five to eight rays. They range from very small to medium-sized. The interradial margin is straight to incurved; when the rays are distinct, they have narrowly rounded to pointed tips. One species, Meridiastra fissura, is fissiparous.

Species

There are 11 recognized species: