Clypeaster reticulatus (Linnaeus 1758)

FIGURE 20A–C

Comments

No living individuals of this species were observed, but a single cleared test was collected from sandy bottoms from the southern end of Ninepin Islands at 7 m depth. Previous studies found Clypeaster virescens in Hong Kong but did not find Clypeaster reticulatus (Morton & Morton 1983; Liao & Clark 1995). Clypeaster reticulatus is distinguished by the markedly concave oral surface and the closed petals. Liao & Clark (1995) described this species as a ubiquitous tropical Indo-West Pacific species, very common in southern China and the Gulf of Tonkin between 20– 60 m. Chao (2000) reported this species in 2–5 m depth from Taiwan. This is the first occurrence of this species in Hong Kong.

Occurrence/Distribution

Hong Kong, 7m.

Outside of Hong Kong, Gulf of Tonkin, Xisha Islands, Hainan Island.

Indo-West Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii from Taiwan to New Caledonia, 0–125 m.