possibly the seastar Pteraster affinis aculeatus

Pteraster affinis aculeatus has been found in Antarctica, South Shetland Islands, and South Georgia Island from 12 to 760 meters depth [1,2,4]. P. affinis aculeatus has been collected at sizes up to 5.5 centimeters in radius from its center to the tip of an arm [1].


This seastar was photographed at New Harbor at about twelve meters depth [2]. If it is Pteraster affinis aculeatus, this would be a first record from McMurdo Sound [3].

1: AM Clark. B.A.N.Z. Antarctic Research Expedition 1929-1931. Reports, Series B (Zoology and Botany) Volume 9, Asteroidea. Adelaide : BANZAR Expedition Committee, 1962; 2: Rob Robbins, personal communication, 2000; 3: John Pearse, personal communication, 2000; 4: Mitteilungen aus dem Hamburgischen Zoologischen Museum und Institut 89:239-259, 1992

Text ©Peter Brueggeman. Photograph ©Rob Robbins. Photograph may not be used in any form without the express written permission of Rob Robbins.