Overview of the Ferdina - like Goniasteridae (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) including a new subfamily, three new genera and fourteen new species Author Mah, Christopher L. text Zootaxa 2017 4271 1 1 72 journal article 32974 10.11646/zootaxa.4271.1.1 f3ad9b4c-35d8-4a01-a14b-3dd968623358 1175-5326 583192 50496AC4-D639-49A7-9249-386B037DAE72 Ferdina in the Goniasteridae Observations of Ferdina specimens identify several characters that support placement within the Goniasteridae . These include the presence of goniasterid-like abactinal plates arranged into a flattened surface framed by a distinct marginal plate arrangement in juveniles of Ferdina mena n. sp. ( Fig. 6 ). As outlined in the introduction, the placement of Ferdina in the Goniasteridae was first considered by Viguier (1878 , 1879 ) with some agreement by Fisher (1919) . The placement of Neoferdina within the Goniasteridae by Mah and Foltz (2011) supported by molecular data, suggests that a closely related genus with shared characters (e.g., furrow spination, granulate tegument covering adambulacrals) such as Ferdina can also be plausibly classified within the Goniasteridae . Blake and Reid (1998) also noted goniasterid affinities when comparing members of the “ Ferdina group”, including Ferdina , Paraferdina Neoferdina and Sinoferdina with the Cretaceous Denebia . Relatively small individuals of Ferdina mena n.sp. (e.g. MNHN-IE-2007-4941 at R= 1.2 cm ) show a welldeveloped marginal series with a more quadrate and blocky morphology forming a distinct frame around the abactinal plates ( Figs. 6 A–C). Although the marginal plate morphology and arrangement appear to vary more in larger individuals, these smaller specimens suggest synapomorphies for placement in the Goniasteridae . These specimens also show the arm as quadrate in cross-section as opposed to larger individuals with a more rounded or convex abactinal surface. Although juveniles of the other two Ferdina spp. were unavailable, those of F. mena would suggest that there is a transformation in the shape/convexity of the abactinal surface and arm shape as this species increases in size.