Tripneustes gratilla ( Linnaeus, 1758 )

Filander, Zoleka & Griffiths, Charles, 2017, Illustrated guide to the echinoid (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) fauna of South Africa, Zootaxa 4296 (1), pp. 1-72 : 46-47

Tripneustes gratilla ( Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 51 A–C.

Tripneustes gratilla: H.L. Clark, 1912: 286 , 313–314; H.L. Clark, 1923: 387; H.L. Clark, 1925a: 124 –125; Mortensen, 1943a: 500 –508. Pls. XXXIII. Figs 1–3 , Pls. XXXIV. Figs. 2–6 , Pls. XXXV. Figs. 3–4 , Pls. XXXVII. Figs. 1–2 , 4–10 , Pls. XXXVIII. Figs. 1–4 , Pls LVI. Fig. 11 ; Clark & Courtman-Stock, 1976: 234; Richmond, 1997: 298; Samyn, 2003: 210, Fig. 4 G; Branch et al., 2010: 234, Fig. 105.5; Schultz, 2010: 275, Figs 527–533.

Material examined. MBC-A 022253; A22254 ; A23084; MBC-A023324; MBC-A077884; A7015; MBC- A077883.

Identification. Test small, hemispherical with circular outline. Spines short, thin. Denuded test creamish, pores lighter; primary spines variable in color, may be orange, purplish or whitish; secondaries white.

Global maximum size. Maximum test diameter 145 mm.

Global distribution. East and South coasts of South Africa, from central Japan to Australia and from Norfolk Islands to Hawaii; littoral to 75 m ( H.L. Clark 1912; Schultz 2010).

Taxonomic notes. T. gratilla differs from Toxopneustes pileolus by its naked, dark median zones and test color.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Detail of regular echinoid: upper (Stomopneustes variolaris) and lower (Stereocidaris excavata) side, showing terminology of various body parts.

FIGURE 2. Body plan of an irregular echinoid or sand dollar (Clypeaster rarispinus), showing terminology of various body parts.

FIGURE 3. The body plan of an irregular echinoids or heart urchin (Echinocardium cordatum), showing terminology of different body parts.

FIGURE 4. Tubercle types: A. perforated and non-crenulated (Stereocidaris alcocki). B. non-perforated and non-crenulated (Stomopneustes variolaris). C. perforated and crenulated (Chaetodiadema africanum).

FIGURE 5. Histocidaris elegans (SAMC-A 22212): A. Side view of preserved specimen. B. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 6. Eucidaris metularia (SAMC-A 28226): A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen. C. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 7. Kionocidaris striata (MBC-A 022213): A. Map showing distribution. B. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 8. Phyllacanthus imperialis (SAMC-A 23447): A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 9. Goniocidaris (Goniocidaris) indica: A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen (SAMC- A 23089). C. Side view of preserved specimen (SAMC-A 28235).

FIGURE 10. Stereocidaris alcocki (SAMC-A 28229): A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view (close-up) of preserved specimen. C. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 11. Stereocidaris capensis (MB-A 077743): A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen. C. Close-up apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 51. Tripneustes gratilla. A. Map showing distribution. B. Live specimen (KwaZulu-Natal). C. Aboral view of preserved specimen (SAMC-A 27886).