Copidaster lymani A. H. Clark 1948

In Panama this species has been collected from Iron Castle Point, Portobelo (USNM E 29504 & USNM E 29505), from a depth range of 2 to 8 m and from Bocas del Toro, Caribbean Sea.

Clark, A.M. and M.E. Downey. (1992). Starfishes of the Atlantic. Chapman & Hall Identification Guides, 3. Chapman & Hall: London, UK. ISBN 0-412-43280-3. xxvi, 794 pp.

Miller, J.E. (1984). Systematics of the ophidiasterid sea stars Copidaster lymani A.H. Clark, and Hacelia superba H.L. Clark (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) with a key to species of Ophidiasteridae from the Western Atlantic. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 97(1): 194-208.

World Asteroidea Database

LSID urn:lsid:marinespecies.org:taxname:178176

Leiaster lymani Downey, 1973
Ophidiaster lymani Nataf & Cherbonnier, 1975

This species can reach 31 cm or more, but most individuals are around 9 cm in diameter. The disk is small relative to the five cylindrical arms. The arms are often of varying length and taper little from disk to tip. The skeleton is concealed by a thin, slimy skin that covers the body. The numerous pedicellariae give the body a pitted appearance. The ambulacral margins bear a series of large, dagger-shaped spines that lie flat against the arms. The dorsal surface is reddish tan to reddish orange, with a darker red mottling or irregular banding on the arms. Darker speciments are almost uniformly blood red. The pedicellariae and madreporite are white and obviously contrasting. The lower surface is usually orange and is lighter than the upper surface. The transparent tube feet are light orange.

Reef settings, beneath coral rock or rubble, on rock and sand bottom, on calcareous algal substrate. Varies by locality.

Carribbean

Copidaster lymani is a species of echinoderm found in the Carribbean. The surface of this species is reddish tan to reddish orange, with a darker red mottling or irregular banding on the arms, but darker speciments are almost uniformly blood red. They are often found under coral rock or rubble.