Description of a new species of <i>Asterina</i> (Asteroidea), with an account of its ecology

Abstract

This paper describes a new asterinid starfish found first in southern Britain, but now also known from the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. Detailed comparison is made between the new species and the closely related Asterina gibbosa in terms of morphology, reproductive biology and life-history. The new species is adapted for life on the upper parts of rocks and on perennial algae in intertidal rock pools; it is small in size, matures early, lays large eggs, broods its young and has a short life span.