Aspidodiadema is a genus of echinoderms belonging to the family Aspidodiadematidae.[1] The species of this genus are found in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean.[2]

Aspidodiadema
Aspidodiadema arcitum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Echinoidea
Order: Aspidodiadematoida
Family: Aspidodiadematidae
Genus: Aspidodiadema
Agassiz, 1879
Type species
Aspidodiadema tonsum
Agassiz, 1878
Species

See text.

Description

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The test is small and subglobular with fragile plating which is firmly tessellated. The apical disc is monocyclic. The plates membrane is embedded and does not touch the coronal plates.[2]

The ambulacral plating is pseudocompound with single large primary tubercle on every third plate which is much enlarged compared to the others. The primary tubercles form an alternate series down the perradius. These traits distinguish this genus from Plesiodiadema and Gymnotiara. The primary tubercles are perforated and notched. The secondary tuberculation confined to plate margins. The peristome has shallow, rounded buccal notches.[2]

The spines are slender and arranged in whorls. The lumens are filled with a mesh of horizontal dividers and vertical pillars.[2]

Species

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The following species are recognised:[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Aspidodiadema A.Agassiz, 1879". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "Aspidodiadema". Natural History Museum. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2021-08-23.