Echinometra mathaei ( Blainville, 1825 )

Filander, Zoleka & Griffiths, Charles, 2017, Illustrated guide to the echinoid (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) fauna of South Africa, Zootaxa 4296 (1), pp. 1-72 : 43-44

Echinometra mathaei ( Blainville, 1825)

Fig. 47 A–B.

Echinometra mathei: Döderlein, 1910: 248 ; H.L. Clark, 1912: 372; H.L. Clark, 1923: 390 –391; Mortensen, 1943: 381 –393. Pl.

XLII, Figs 1–10 . Pl. XLVII, Figs 1–4 . Pl. LXV, Figs 16–26 ; Clark & Courtman-Stock, 1976: 239; Coleman et al., 1991: 170; Richmond, 1997: 298; Samyn, 2003: 204, Figs 3 E, E’; Branch et al., 2010: 234, Fig. 105.2; Schultz, 2010: 214, Figs 401–405.

Material examined. MBC-A 022263; MBC-A 022657; MBC-A023311; MBC-A077879; MBC-A077878; MBC- A077880; MBC-A077881; MBC-A077876; MBC-A077877; SAMC- 22262,

Identification. Test strongly elongated, rarely somewhat circular; spines stout, with white basal flange (milled ring). Distinguished by color, cleaned test white, with faint light purple tint; spines vary in color, from white to brown, sometimes greenish or purplish, often tips and milled ring white.

Global maximum size. Maximum test diameter 90 mm.

Global distribution. Suez to East coast region of South Africa, from Japan to Australia, and from Hawaii to South Sea Islands; from littoral to 30 m ( Schultz 2010).

Remarks. Inhabits holes and tunnels amongst coral blocks, known to be a rock borer ( Mortensen 1943; Asgaard & Bromley 2008)). Feeds on algae and encrusting organisms, especially sponges ( Mortensen 1943; Schultz 2010). Maher (2011) indicates that there is no genetic divergence amongst the color morphs in E. mathaei populations and suggests variation may be attributed to environmental parameters. However, the observed intraspecific variation may suggest a slow speciation process ( Rahman & Uehara 2004).

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 4. Tubercle types: A. perforated and non-crenulated (Stereocidaris alcocki). B. non-perforated and non-crenulated (Stomopneustes variolaris). C. perforated and crenulated (Chaetodiadema africanum).

FIGURE 5. Histocidaris elegans (SAMC-A 22212): A. Side view of preserved specimen. B. Apical system of preserved specimen.

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 8. Phyllacanthus imperialis (SAMC-A 23447): A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 9. Goniocidaris (Goniocidaris) indica: A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen (SAMC- A 23089). C. Side view of preserved specimen (SAMC-A 28235).

FIGURE 10. Stereocidaris alcocki (SAMC-A 28229): A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view (close-up) of preserved specimen. C. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 16. Prionocidaris pistillaris. A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of adult preserved specimen (SAMC- A 23724). C. Side view of juvenile preserved specimen (MBC-A 077755).

FIGURE 17. Stylocidaris cingulata. A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen (MBC-A 074000). C. Apical system of preserved specimen (SAMC-A 28217).

FIGURE 18. Araeosoma paucispinum (SAMC- A 222221). A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen. C. Oral view of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 19. Hygrosoma petersii (SAMC-A 22219). A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen. C. Oral view of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 20. Sperosoma biseriatum A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen (Schultz, 2010). C. Oral view of preserved specimen (Schultz, 2010).

FIGURE 21. Tromikosoma uranus (SAMC-A 22122). A. Map showing distribution. B. view of preserved specimen. C. Oral view of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 22. Phormosoma busarium (SAMC-A 22621). A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen. C. Oral view of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 23. Phormosoma placenta africana (SAMC- A 22250). A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen. C. Oral view of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 24. Aspidodiadema africanum (MBC-A 022216). A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen. C. Apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 25. Astropyga radiata. A. Map showing distribution. B. Live adult (KwaZulu-Natal). C. Oral view of preserved specimen (SAMC-A 28211).

FIGURE 26. Chaetodiadema africanum. A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of adult preserved specimen (MBC- 077779). C. Aboral view of juvenile preserved specimen (SAMC-A 23717).

FIGURE 47. Echinometra mathaei (SAMC-A 23311). A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen.