Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis ( Selenka, 1867 )

THANDAR, AHMED S., 2007, Additions to the aspidochirotid, molpadid and apodid holothuroids (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the east coast of southern Africa, with descriptions of new species, Zootaxa 1414 (1), pp. 1-62 : 26-27

Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis ( Selenka, 1867)

Figure 11

Holothuria (Microthele) maculata Brandt, 1835:54 (junior homonym).

Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis Massin, 1999 (synonymy & records before 1999), text-figs. 24–27, fig. 110g & h; Samyn, 2003:58 (synonymy after 1999), pls.23–25.

Type Lost. Selenka’s (1867) M. nobilis ( MCZ 819) designated as lectotype by Rowe (in Rowe & Gates 1995).

Type locality Guam, N.W. Pacific Ocean.

Lectotype locality Zanzibar.

Previous southern African record Natal.

Material examined SAM-A27933 , Kosi Bay , northern KZN, donated by the Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban, 1 spec.

General distribution Indo-West Pacific but not yet reported from the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

Remarks

This species grows to a very large size (up to 600 mm) and is said to be white or black speckled with white ( Rowe and Doty, 1977). The single eviscerated specimen is 245 x 145 mm, black with greyish-white patches dorsally and grey ventrally. The dorsal ( Figure 11A ) and ventral table discs ( Figure 11C ) are respectively 75– 109 µm and 57–86 µm, while the respective buttons are 66–95 µm ( Figure 11B ) and 65–127 µm ( Figure 11D ). The papillae rods measure 136–306 µm, the tubefeet rods and/or plates ( Figure 11E ) 238–386 µm and the tentacle rods ( Figure 11F ) 30–224 µm. Thandar (1984) doubted James and Pearse’s (1969) record of this species from KZN but, according to collectors from the Durban Oceanographic Institute, it is well established in northern KZN, especially on the Sodwana reefs. It has long been known from Zanzibar but has yet to be reported from Mozambique.

Figures

FIGURE 11. Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis (Selenka, 1867). SAM–A27933. Kosi Bay, KZN. A. Tables from dorsal body wall; B. buttons from dorsal body wall; C. tables from ventral body wall; D. buttons from ventral body wall; E. plates from ventral podia; F. tentacle rods; G. part of calcareous ring. (A–E scale a; F scale b)