Metalia robillardi (de Loriol, 1876 )

Filander, Zoleka & Griffiths, Charles, 2017, Illustrated guide to the echinoid (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) fauna of South Africa, Zootaxa 4296 (1), pp. 1-72 : 58

* Metalia robillardi (de Loriol, 1876)

Fig. 66 A–C.

Metalia robillardi: Clark & Rowe, 1971: 166 ; Schultz, 2010: 394, Fig. 742; Filander & Griffiths, 2014: 55. Pl. II, Fig. H.

Material examined. SAMC-A28231.

Identification. Large, oval test; anterior side steep, with deep notch. Apical disc anteriorly positioned, with four gonopores. Anterior ambulacra narrow, somewhat sunken, simple pore-pairs; anterior petals directed posteriorly, posterior petals more flexed. Oral side with short, narrow labrum, slightly covering peristome; large periproct at short posterior end. Subanal fasciole with five (to six) pores on either side. Preserved specimen white, with short spines.

Global maximum size. Maximum test length 125 mm.

Global distribution. East coast of South Africa, Australia, Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar ( Schultz 2010); at 2–50 m depth.

Remarks. Records collected in this study show that this species inhabits deeper waters than the previously reported 14 m ( Filander & Griffiths 2014). Distinguished from Brissopsis lyrifera capensis by anterior part of test distinctively raised; by anterior petals being directed downwards and by white color.

Figures

FIGURE 66. Metalia robillardi (SAMC-A 28231). A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen. C. Side view of preserved specimen.