KOREASCHOLAR

This study introduces a newly discovered brittle star, Amphiophiura megapoma, from the mesophotic zone in the East Sea, Korea. It is the second species belonging to the genus Amphiophiura (which includes 57 species) to be recorded in Korean waters after A. sculpta. The specimen was discovered during a September 2022 survey, by SCUBA diving in the upper mesophotic zone of the East Sea, Korea. This study presents the morphological characteristics of A. megapoma, highlighting its differences from the related species within a comprehensive taxonomic description. It provides highresolution images of A. megapoma and a taxonomic key for Amphiophiura species in Korea.

1. INTRODUCTION
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
3. SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• Taekjun Lee(Department of Animal Resources Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea, Marine Biological Resource Institute, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author