ABSTRACT
The ophiurid fauna of Antarctic shelves and Subantarctic islands is characterized by a wide diversity of species. As a result of working over the Zoological Institute collections and with the data from the literature included, the list has been enlarged to consist of 93 species, 34 genera and 9 families. When analysing the distribution of Antarctic and Subantarctic ophiuroids by comparing their species’ areas, 19 main types of area have been established. The waters of Antarctic and Subantarctic can be referred to as a single Antarctic Region with a high degree of endemism. The Antarctic Region can then be divided into two Subregions: Kerguelen and Glacial. The South Georgian region can be ranked as a separate South Georgian Province within the Glacial Subregion. This will highlight the isolation of this region from the Antarctic, the latter then being referred to as Continental Province. Considering its rich fauna and some difference between the faunas of Antarctic peninsula and the rest of the continent shelf this Province can be divided into two districts: South Polar and .South Antill..
