A new fissiparous micro-asteriid from southern Australia (Echinodermata: Asteroidea: Asteriidae)

The fissiparous micro-asteriid Allostichaster palmula Benavides-Serrato and O’Loughlin sp. nov. from south-eastern Australia is described. The diagnostic characters of juveniles of the four other shallow asteriid genera and species from south-eastern Australia are discussed: Allostichaster polyplax (Müller and Troschel); Coscinasterias muricata Verrill; Smilasterias multipara O’Loughlin and O’Hara; Uniophora granifera (Lamarck). Diagnostic characters are tabulated. Photos are provided. Fissiparity in these asteriids is noted. The R/r ratio is discussed.