Benthopectinidae

Benthopectinidae is a family of sea stars containing at least 75 species in eight genera.^[1] It is the only family in the monotypic order Notomyotida.

Benthopectinidae
Benthopecten species
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Echinodermata
Class:	Asteroidea
Superorder:	Valvatacea
Order:	Notomyotida Ludwig, 1910
Family:	Benthopectinidae Verrill, 1899
Genera
8, see text
Synonyms
Benthopectininae Verrill, 1894 Cheirasteridae Ludwig, 1910 Pararchasterinae Sladen, 1889

These asteroids are deep-sea dwelling and have flexible arms. The inner dorso-lateral surface of the arms contain characteristic longitudinal muscle bands.^[2] Eight genera of deep-water species make up the majority of the family benthopectinidae, and many of its members are expected to have a greater range than is currently recognized.^[3]

Taxonomy

Nine genera are recognized:^[1]

• Acontiaster Döderlein, 1921
• Benthopecten Verrill, 1884
• Cheiraster Studer, 1883
• Gaussaster Ludwig, 1910
• Myonotus Fisher, 1911
• Nearchaster Fisher, 1911
• Pectinaster Perrier, 1885
• † Plesiastropecten Peyer, 1944
• Pontaster Sladen, 1885