Morphological Observations of <i>Ophioderma hybridum</i> (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from Western of Libya

The distribution of the species of Ophioderma in the Mediterranean is still incompletely known. In this paper, Ophioderma hybridum (Ophiuroidea, Ophiodermatidae) is reported for the first time from the coast of Tajura, in the southern Mediterranean Sea, Libya. This recently described species was until now known only from the coast of Tunisia. Description of external appearance and taxonomic characteristics: Specimens had a dark reddish brown body colour on disc and arms, the radial shields not covered by granules. As a result of these morphological observations, O. hybridum is added to the Ophiuroidea fauna of the Libyan coast, southern Mediterranean Sea, which is a significant expansion of its known distribution range. These findings increase the knowledge of the biodiversity in Libya's marine environment which needs further study and protection.