Equinodermos de Asturias: Expedición «Cantábrico 83»

Abstract

Echinoderms of Asturias: «Cantábrico 83» Expedition
The Echinoderms found during the expedition «Cantábrico 83» on the oceanographic ship ‘Cornide de Saavedra’ along the coast of Asturias (North of Spain) have been studied. A total of 21 species have been found between 42 and 728 m of depth: 1 crinoid, 3 holothuroids, 3 ophiuroids, 10 asteroids and 4 echinoids. Some other Echinoderms have been collected in the littoral of Asturias (Punta de San Lorenzo and Ribadesella) between 100 and 300 m of depth: 3 holothuroids, 3 ophiuroids, 4 asteroids and 1 echinoid. Most of the Echinoderms captured by the ‘Cornide’ are first citations for this coast. The zoogeographical distribution and bathymetric range of some of the species is given. The unique existence of an atlantic-mediterranean area is proven, by the origin of the Mediterranean species. Most of the species mentioned are first citations in Asturias and one asteroid (Astropecten platyacanthus) is found for the first time in the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula.