Colobocentrotus (Podophora) atratus ( Linnaeus, 1758 )

Filander, Zoleka & Griffiths, Charles, 2017, Illustrated guide to the echinoid (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) fauna of South Africa, Zootaxa 4296 (1), pp. 1-72 : 43

* Colobocentrotus (Podophora) atratus ( Linnaeus, 1758)

Fig. 46 A–B.

Colobocentrotus auratus: A. Agassiz, 1872: 102 , 424. Pl. XXXVI, Figs 6–7 . Pl. XXXVIII, Figs 11–12 ; Samyn, 2003: 204, Fig. 3 D.

Podophora atrata: H.L. Clark, 1925a; 145; H.L. Clark, 1912: 376.

Colobocentrotus (Podophora) atratus: Mortensen, 1943: 434 –439. Pl. L, Figs 1–2 . Pl. LlI, Figs 1–2 . Pl. LXV, Fig. 7 ; Filander & Griffiths, 2014: 52 –53. Pl. I, Fig. A.

Podophora atratus: Schultz, 2010: 232 , Figs 441–443.

Material examined. Photographic image uploaded on VM EchinoMaps.

Identification. Test solid, transversely elongated. Spines eccentric, closely packed, flat, forming tessellate arrangement ending in a fringe; purple coloration.

Global maximum size. Maximum test diameter 65 mm.

Global distribution. East coast region of South Africa ( Filander & Griffths 2014); East Africa to Malayan Archipelago, as far as Hawaii; restricted to littoral zones ( Schultz 2010).

Remarks. The test morphology is strongly adapted for attachment to strongly wave-exposed rocks, thus minimizing possibility of being washed away by wave action. Reported to feed on encrusting organisms.

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 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 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 12. Stereocidaris excavata (SAMC-A 23320). A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen. C. Close-up apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 46. Colobocentrotrus (Podophora) atratus A. Map showing distribution. B. Live specimen (KwaZulu-Natal).