Ophiocoma (Ophiurida: Ophiocomidae) species of the east coast of South Africa, including observations of parental care

Abstract

This study raises the number of Ophiocoma species recorded from the South African coast from four to eight extending the records for the genus southwards to the Eastern Cape. All species are briefly discussed in terms of taxonomy, geographic distribution and ecology. In addition, the juvenile of O. brevipes, as found on the underside of adult Ophiocoma brevipes specimens, is described in detail. A neotype is designated for O. scolopendrina.