First record of Odontaster penicillatus populations (Philippi, 1870) (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) in the Atacama and Antofagasta regions, Chile (Southeast Pacific)
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Abstract: We report for the first time the presence of local populations of the starfish Odontaster penicillatus in the regions of Atacama and Antofagasta, Chile. This finding indicates an extension of the distribution limit of 500 km with respect to the last observation made in 2007 in Isla Grande de Atacama. A total of 121 specimens of O. penicillatus were recorded at depths of between 8 m and 24 m. They were associated with rocky substrate and with different species of barnacles, sponges and bryozoans. The presence of O. penicillatus expands the knowledge of the benthic biodiversity of the region, and the development of studies on its ecological importance will be promoted.
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Key words:
- Odontaster penicillatus /
- new record /
- Antofagasta /
- Atacama /
- South Pacific Ocean
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Figure 1. Photographic records of Odontaster penicillatus in subtidal environments of northern Chile. a. Odontaster penicillatus collected at Punta de Lobos, Atacama, Chile. b. Specimens of O. penicillatus collected at Rodillo Atacama, Chile. c. Individual of O. penicillatus photographed in its marine habitat at Mejillones Peninsula, Antofagasta, Chile. d. Group of O. penicillatus photographed on the seafloor at Mejillones Peninsula.
Figure 2. Distribution area of Odontaster penicillatus in the Pacific Ocean coast of South America. The black bar indicates their frequent distribution area. The gray bar indicates the extended distribution area of O. penicillatus recorded in the present study. The small rectangles show the sites and geographic coordinates where the specimens were photographed and collected. The last report in 2008 is highlighted in black letters.
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