J151 Astrostole rodolphi 2a Click to enlarge image
J151 Astrostole rodolphi 2a Image: Stephen Kebble
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Astrostole
    Species
    rodolphi
  • Size Range
    Width 120 mm

Identification:

The seven flexible arms combined with the spines along the aboral surface and margins are distinctive.

Distribution:

Inshore, continental shelf and slope, from Point Danger, Qld, to Bondi, NSW; Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs; Lord Howe Island; Norfolk Island; Kermadec Islands; New Zealand. Depth range 0-250 m.


Distribution data sourced from the Atlas of Living Australia

Australian Museum registration database records for the Sydney region:

Long Reef; Manly (Shelley Beach); Port Jackson (Camp Cove; Vaucluse). Depth Range 0-5 m.

Taxonomic information - synonyms and type material:

Asterias rodolphi Perrier, 1875: 305, 41.
Type data: holotype BMNH 1855.11.19.13.
Type locality: Kermadec Ils, SW Pacific.

Astrostole insularis Clark, 1938: 191, pl. 8(1).
Type data: holotype MCZ 3362.
Type locality: Lord Howe Is., Tasman Sea.

Astrostole multispina Clark, 1950: 808, fig. 1A-B, pls 11-12.
Type data: holotype BMNH 56.9.24.11.
Type locality: Norfolk Is., Tasman Sea.


J151 Astrostole rodolphi

Astrostole rodolphi

Image: Stephen Keeble
© Australian Museum

Links for further information:

Atlas of Living Australiau/species/Astrostole+rodolphi#overview

World Register of Marine Species

Additional references:

Clark (1946); Town (1979) (also as Astrostole insularis, Astrostole multispina, Astrostole scabra); Rowe (1989); Rowe & Gates (1995).