EchinoID

Shallow water echinoderms of Oman

Nardoa variolata

(Retzius, 1805)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
Nardoa variolata is another mostly red starfish. The pattern is that of polygonal orange-brown dots between plates, covering a darker aboral surface, the extend of which vary among different specimens. The tapering of the arm is not very marked but also vary between individuals. This species so far has only been found in Dhofar, near Sadah.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
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So far, Nardoa variolata has only been found in Dhofar where it is quite uncommon.
The distribution of this species appear to cover the western facade of the Indian Ocean including Madagascar.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
This is an unusual species that should be left alone.