Allostichaster polyplax

Scientific name: Allostichaster polyplax
  • Author(s)
    Jen Cork
  • Updated
    06/09/24
  • Read time
    2 minutes
J4153 Allostichaster polyplax Click to enlarge image
J4153 Allostichaster polyplax Image: Stephen Keeble
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Allostichaster
    Species
    polyplax
  • Size Range
    Width 30-50 mm

Identification:

Generally has eight arms, but can vary from six to nine. Can reproduce asexually by splitting and each part growing new arms. Arms can be of varying lengths on an individual because of different stages of re-growth. On the aboral surface the arms have small spinelets in rows along the length.

Distribution:

Temperate inshore, continental shelf and slope areas of southern Australia, from South Solitary Island NSW to Houtman Abrolhos, WA; southwest Pacific (New Zealand). Depth range 0-238 m.

Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Australian Museum registration database records for the Sydney region:

Long Reef; Newport; Manly (Fairy Bower; Freshwater); Port Jackson (Balmoral Beach; Bottle and Glass Rocks; Shark Island); Botany Bay (Kurnell Reef); Coogee. Depth range 0-90 m.

Habitat:

Commonly found under rocks.

Taxonomic information - synonyms and type material:

Asteracanthion polyplax Müller & Troschel, 1844:178.
Type data: holotype ZMB.
Type locality: Tasmania (as Vandiemensland).

J4153 Allostichaster polyplax

Allostichaster polyplax

Image: Stephen Keeble
© Australian Museum

Links for further information:

Additional references:

Clark, (1946); Zeidler & Shepherd (1982); Edgar (1997).