Introduction

In late November and December 1966, the USNS Research Vessel "Eltanin" occupied 36 stations, (both biological and hydrographical) in New Zealand waters between 38° and 47° S., and 160° and 175° E., in depths ranging from 25–4,956 m. Starfish (Asteroidea) were taken from only 8 stations and these are described here. Classification used in this paper follows that set out in the Treatise on Invertebrate Palaeontology (1966).

In general a 5′ Blake trawl was used for dredging; a larger 10′ Blake proved unsatisfactory. Colour notes in the text are of freshly caught specimens. The present addition to the New Zealand fauna of 6 genera of starfish which are new records for New Zealand and of 2 new species, together with recent records of McKnight (1967, 1968), has prompted the following review of the literature and the check lists.