Astrostole rodolphi (Perrier, 1875)
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.
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.
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).