Meridiastra

Meridiastra is a genus of star fish in the family Asterinidae. The genus is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with most records from the waters around Australia. They occur in shallow waters down to a depth of about 59 m. Meridiastra are morphologically similar to the Atlantic genus Asterina. They are also phylogenetically close and possibly sister genera.

Etymology
The generic name is derived from the Latin meridies (=south) and astrum (=star), in reference to the southern Australian and Pacific distribution of the genus (at the time of description – the genus now includes also species occurring on the northern hemisphere (Mexico, Panama) ).

Description
Meridiastra are sea stars with five to eight rays (arms). They range from very small (Meridiastra rapa: radius 6 mm) to medium-sized (Meridiastra gunnii: radius 56 mm). The interradial margin is straight to incurved; when the rays are distinct, they have narrowly rounded to pointed tips. One species, Meridiastra fissura, is fissiparous.

Species
There are 11 recognized species: