Preliminary report on the crinoid fauna of ureure cove and Lathi Island, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Abstract

To date almost nothing has been published about the taxonomy, distribution, or natural history of comatulid crinoids (featherstars) in Vanuatu. The primary purpose of this study was to collect a target group of these crinoids to be used in molecular phylogenetic studies to assess their taxonomic status. The intended outcome of this study is to review species-level taxonomy and subsequently create an internet guide to all Comatulida. including those found in Vanuatu.