Poraniomorpha abyssicola (Verrill 1895)

Figures 7 A–C, F

Rhegaster abyssicola . Verrill 1895: 140

Poraniomorpha abyssicola . Grieg 1907: 42

Poraniomorpha (Poraniomorpha) abyssicola . Clark, A. M. & Downey, M.E. 1993: 215

Taxonomic comments. This species is distinguished from P. t u m i d a and P. bidens by the presence of two to three inferomarginal spines present along the actinolateral fringe (Fig. 7 B). The abactinal surface is covered by evenly distributed, tiny granuliform spinules (Fig. 7 F). The actinal surface is covered by an abundance of short, pointed spinelets (length=>1.0 mm) (Fig. 7 E). A single curved furrow spine is present in addition to four or five irregularly arranged subambulacral spines.

Occurrence. North Atlantic (west side) from latitude of Cape May to Cape Charles (c. 38.5–37°N), Hudson Caynon 2976–3740 m.

Material examined. USNM 8140 (Holotype) Virginia Beach, Virginia, North Atlantic Ocean. 2995–3740 m, Coll. R/V Albatross 10 Sept. 1884 (1 dry spec. R=3.5, r=1.4); USNM E 16102 Rise off North East of Hudson Canyon, New Jersey, North Atlantic, 38º25” 06’N, 70º 52” 30’W, 2976–2995 m. Coll. R/V Chain 5 July 1975 (2 dry specs. R=4.4, r=1.6; R=3.2, r=1.3)