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Post-larval development and growth intraspecific variations in Ophiocoma echinata and Ophiocoma trindadensis from Brazil (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2025
Abstract
Identifying cryptic species and juveniles in the Ophiuroidea has always been a challenge. However, post-larval developmental studies have the potential to uncover the identity of these cryptic species and juveniles, as they offer valuable information that is not often found in adults. Although the importance of studying growth series is well-known in ophiuroids, it is difficult to obtain and identify the juvenile stages. For this reason, most studies are restricted to brooding species and information is lacking for many species, including those of the genus Ophiocoma. In this study, a growth series was developed to show the main differences during the development of two similar species of Ophiocoma: Ophiocoma echinata and Ophiocoma trindadensis. Using morphometry and scanning electron microscopy, we describe in detail the juveniles, intermediate stage, and adults of O. echinata and O. trindadensis. Differences in the shape of the ventral arm plate and dorsalmost arm spines, the number of tentacle scales, and the presence of granules ventrally were highlighted in the separation and identification of juveniles of both species.
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- Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
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