Linckia multifora

Linckia multifora (Lamarck 1816): 565 [As Asterias multifora] Material examined: 6 specimens (ZMSBUK-1643/1 - ZMSBUK-1643/6) Largest sampled specimen in this study: R: 153mm, r: 13mm. Description: (Figs. 25–28) Five (occasionally four to six) long thin arms and small disc (R /r:>10:1), arms typically unequal and cylindrical, almost completely circular in cross-section; plates of abactinal surface with irregularly spaced mix of numerous, flat granules and closed pores; no obvious gonopores; two madreporites typical; no distinctive supero-marginal or infero-marginal plates defining body margin; plates on actinal surface covered by dense, small granules; ambulacral plates with conspicuous protruded edge; subambulacral spines rounded and granule like, separated and barely projecting from the plate surface, surrounded by many smaller granules; tube feet cylindrical with terminal disc; colour in live specimens usually khaki or red with brownish-yellow and/or purplish-red arm spots, colour completely bleaches in alcohol. Observations: Found on hard substrates, occasionally amongst shells, gravels, dead -corals, or on coralreefs; from 2m to 13m; Recorded in the present study from Hengam, Qeshm, Larak, Lavan, Kish, Kharg and Kharku Islands. Observed subtidally at Bostaneh. Previously reported from the Persian Gulf: (Mortensen 1940; Clark & Rowe 1971; Basson et al. 1977; Price 1982a; Price 1982b; Price 1983; Khayat 2005; George 2012; Adeli et al. 2022); present study.