Epitomapta roseola ( Verrill, 1874 )

Pawson, David L., Pawson, Doris J. & King, Rachael A., 2010, A taxonomic guide to the Echinodermata of the South Atlantic Bight, USA: 1. Sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), Zootaxa 2449, pp. 1-48 : 42

Epitomapta roseola ( Verrill, 1874)

Figure 36

Leptosynapta roseola Verrill, 1874: 716 .

Epitomapta roseola .— Clark, 1908: 93, pl. 5, figs.16,17,19,21; Hendler et al. 1995: 303, figs. 172, 188E–J.

Material examined. USNM E19357 , off S.C., 32°57'N, 79°17'W, R/V Pierce, Sta 2A, Feb. 12, 1977, 12m, 3. USNM E19360 , off S.C., 32°54'N, 79°12'W, R/V Pierce, Sta 2B, Nov. 19, 1977, 16m. USNM E19361 , off S.C., 32°54'N, 79°12'W, R/V Pierce, Sta 2B, May 14, 1977, 16m, 2. USNM E19362 , off S.C., 32°54'N, 79°12'W, R/V Pierce, Sta 2B, May 13, 1977, 16m. USNM E19398 , off S.C., 32°40'N, 78°47'W, R/V Pierce, Sta 2E, Aug. 18, 1977, 37m. USNM E19469 , off Georgia, 31°45'N, 80°28’W, R/V Pierce, Sta 4C, Aug.25, 1977, 16m, 3. USNM E19634 , off Florida, 30°23'N, 81°15'W, R/V Pierce, Sta 6B, Aug. 31, 1977, 15m, 2. DML 2087, 34 º36'N, 76º28.7'W, June 24, 1965, 10 m.

Diagnosis. This tiny, worm-shaped form can reach a length of 10cm, but most specimens are smaller. Color in life pinkish. The mouth is surrounded by 12 digitate tentacles, each with 7 fingerlike projections. The body ossicles are anchors (140–170 μm), anchor plates (averaging 118 μm), and C- or O-shaped miliary granules. Anchors from the anterior portion of the body have smooth flukes; those near the posterior end are longer and have serrate flukes.

Distribution. MA to E and W FL, Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda.

Habitat. Beneath rocks in fine gravel and coarse sand. 0– 10m.

Remarks. The presence of tiny C- or O-shaped miliary granules distinguishes this species from other synaptids.

Figures

FIGURE 36. Epitomapta roseola (Verrill, 1873). A, whole animal; B, anchor; C, anchor plate; D, miliary granules.