Temnopleurus reevesii ( Gray 1855 )

Yiu, Sam King Fung & Mah, Christopher L., 2024, New Ecological Observations and Occurrence for Asteroidea and Echinoidea in Hong Kong, Zootaxa 5526 (1), pp. 1-69 : 23-24

Temnopleurus reevesii ( Gray 1855)

FIGURE 13A–D

Comments

This species was identified based on their low hemispherical test shape, elongate, pointed spine shape and deep sutural pits. Ambulacral regions showed the distinct horizontal sutures and light interambulacral color, as well as the greenish-brown spines, lacking banding as outlined in Liao & Clark (1995) were consistent with specimens of this species,

Ecological Observations

In situ observations ( Fig. 13A ) of this species showed it present in high abundance forming large aggregations on the seafloor. Spatial arrangement on the benthic surface at 10 m showed them closely but evenly spaced with each individual at spine’s length apart from one another on a heterogeneous, sandy, cobble-covered sediment. Individual tests were ~ 3 to 4 cm in diameter suggesting a total diameter of ~ 6 to 8 cm, spine tip to spine tip. Approximately 42 urchins were counted in a 0.4 m x 0.3 m region. Liao & Clark (1995) have described this species as one of the most common, shallow-water sea urchins along the southern coast of China, and has been collected from many stations with one haul off western Guangdong in 24 m including over 3000 specimens.

Figure 13C shows this species attacking the sea cucumber Holothuria lecuospilota as well as the sea urchin Salamis sphaeroides ( Fig. 13D ) as well as feeding on a dead fish ( Fig. 13B ). Further discussion of these feeding observations are summarized in the Discussion.

Occurrence/Distribution

Hong Kong, 3– 20 m.

Outside China. Southern China, Southern Japan, Indonesia, Philippines to east Africa. 5– 565 m.

Figures

FIGURE 13. Temnopleurus reevesii A. In situ showing abundance and spacing. B. feeding on moribund fish. C. Temnopleurus reevesii attacking Holothuria leucospilota. D. T. reevesii, attacking Salmacis sphaeroides. Photographer: Sam King Fung Yiu.