ASTEROIDEA 



135 



longitudinal series. No larger spines on the marginal or dorsal 

 plates, but only granules and pedicellariae. The plates along the 

 mid-dorsal line of arms rather prominent, like the carinals of 

 Zoroaster. Disk slightly sunk, well defined against the interradii 

 by a pair of larger, rounded plates. A straight pedicellaria 

 may be found rather regularly on the inner edge of every second 

 adambulacral plate. R =4-5 r. Reaches a size of ca. 80 mm. R. 

 Colour in life orange. 



Fig. 76.- — Neomorphaster talismani, dorsal and oral side. Nat. size. 



Biology and development unknown. 



In British seas this species has been found off S.W. Ireland 

 (51° r N., 11° 50' W., 1350 m. ; Green). It is elsewhere known 

 from the Bay of Biscay, the Azores, and off the Moroccan coast. 

 Bathymetrical distribution, ca. 400-2000 metres ; exceptionally 

 it has been found at a depth of 5413 m. 



2. Stichastrella Verrill. 



Disk plates not forming a regular rosette. Dorsal skeleton 

 of arms less distinctly arranged in longitudinal or transverse 

 series ; each plate covered with a group of granules or short, 

 truncate spines. Adambulacral plates with usually three spines 

 in a transverse series. Tube-feet 4-serial to end of arm. 



Only one species known from British and European seas. 



