Ontogenetic variation of the odontophore of Luidia superba (Asteroidea: Paxillosida) and its taxonomic implications

Introduction: The sea star odontophore is the structure positioned between paired oral ossicles, with which they articulate through proximal and distal processes. internal anatomy structures may be used as taxonomic characters for a precise differentiation species, so it necessary to describe variation throughout growth. Objective: To shape of Luidia superba A. H. Clark, 1917 from specimens Gulf California deposited in Echinoderm National Collection, ICML UNAM. Methods: A total 735 were examined external characters, 55 selected specimens, within range R = 14 mm 210 mm, dissected extract odontophores analyzed geometric morphometrics. Results: Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) images showing variations growth are presented. Differences size groups confirmed Canonical Variables Analysis (P < 0.05). Conclusions: There three main this ranges where specialization stereom can observed ontogenetic series; shown here precedent use new identification.