Biological Investigations of the Deep Sea. 51.

Goniasteridae (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) of the Straits of Florida

Eleven species of goniasterid sea stars collected by the R/V Gerda during a biological survey of the Straits of Florida were studied. Each is fully described and illustrated. A key to all the goniasterid genera in the tropical western Atlantic is provided.

Wide variations occur within many of the species, and as a result, many invalid nominal species have been described. Thus, a good deal of taxonomic revision is made. Ceramaster affinis is made a junior synonym of C. grenadensis. The genus Peltaster is delimited and placenta placed in it. Peltaster planus is made a junior synonym of P. placenta. Plinthaster perrieri, P. nitidus, and P. comptus are made junior synonyms of P. dentatus. Lydiaster is made a junior synonym of Circeaster, and Circeaster occidentalis is made a junior synonym of C. americanus.