New species of the genusOphiolepisMüller & Troschel, 1840 (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea: Ophiolepididae)

The aim of the present work is to report and describe three new species of the tropical brittle-star genusOphiolepis. The new species are described herein asOphiolepis aemulatasp. nov.,Ophiolepis buitronaesp. nov. andOphiolepis crebrasp. nov. As these species were previously misidentified, morphological traits and similarities between them and other species are extensively discussed.Ophiolepis buitronaesp. nov. is widespread in tropical and warm waters of the western Atlantic from intertidal to 36 m. It has consistently been misidentified asOphiolepis impressaas these two species share a similar distribution and are found together.Ophiolepis aemulatasp. nov. is found in western Australia, as are its congenersOphiolepis superbaandOphiolepis unicolor, whileOphiolepis crebrasp. nov. is found in Australia and Indonesia. There are 25 extant species, including the three new species, which are currently referred to the genusOphiolepis.