Aspidosiphon ( Aspidosiphon ) muelleri Diesing

Aspidosiphon ( Aspidosiphon) muelleri Diesing View in CoL

Figs 2 View FIGURE 2. A J, 3E–F

Aspidosiphon muelleri Cutler, 1994: 218 View in CoL (for complete synonymy).

Material examined. One specimen (NMNS-5928-021), Shiaoliuchiu ( 22°20.56' N, 120°21.53' E), Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, lower intertidal sandy bottom, coll. P.-W. Hsueh, 5 May 2007.

Remarks. The present specimen possesses a continuous layer of longitudinal muscles, the anal shield has an extensive array of furrows ( Fig. 3 View FIGURE 3. A E), and its other characters agree with the description by Cutler (1994). A unidentate hook ( Fig. 3 View FIGURE 3. A F) was observed in the present specimen. However, this character is not reliable for identification as it can also be bidentate or both ( Cutler 1994). The species is known as the most widespread Aspidosiphon , commonly found in northeastern Atlantic and occasionally reported from the western Pacific ( Japan to Australia) ( Cutler 1994). The collection of this species in Taiwan is therefore not surprising.