| Prior to this study, two species of ophiuroid had been described from hydrothermal vent sites, and another from methane cold seeps, all from the Atlantic Ocean. Although ophiuroids have occasionally been reported from vents in the Pacific Ocean as well, none has been described before. This study presents two new species, Spinophiura jolliveti gen. et sp. nov., family Ophiuridae, and Ophiolamina eprae gen. et sp. nov., family Ophiacanthidae, which are most likely endemic to reducing environments in the East Pacific. We also include detailed descriptions of the post-metamorphic development of these species. Spinophiura jolliveti is characterized by up to five rather long, semi-erect arm spines and a relatively small oral shield. Its postlarva is unusual in... |
