Ophiothrix cf. robillardi
(de Loriol, 1893)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
All species in the genus Macrophiothrix have large triangular plates at the insert of the arms on the disk. These shields are almost glabrous whereas the rest of the disk plates are covered with fine granules.
The arm spines are long; longer than the width of the vertebrae that form the long arms ( often 10-20cm, with central disk around 1-2 cm).
The arm spines are long; longer than the width of the vertebrae that form the long arms ( often 10-20cm, with central disk around 1-2 cm).
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
Only a few specimens have been observed in Dhofar, and on Masirah. Worldwide, its distribution includes the African shores of the Indian Ocean and some observations in western Australia.
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Data deficient (DD)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
The species so far appears limited to the Arabian Sea, but as it is highly cryptic, it is thus difficult to observe. When disturbed from under a bold or a rock, the species is fast and can disappear in the smallest holes or cracks in the substrate.