Family CLYPEASTERIDAE

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Introduction

The family Clypeasteridae comprises a single genus which is found in tropical and temperate waters. Seven species are recorded in Australian waters.

Clypeasterids are distinguished in the order Clypeasteroida by the following combination of character states: test circular or elongate, often more or less aborally–orally flattened, ambulacra petaloid aborally; petals well developed, plates alternating in form, every second one a demi-plate, not extending radially between the inner row of pores; unlike the primaries between them, aboral miliary spines serrated and often slightly clavate but not flared into a 'crown'; genital pores five; food grooves simple, poorly defined.

General References

Durham, J.W. 1966. Echinozoa: Clypeasteroids. pp. U450-U491, figs 335-377 in Moore, R.C. (ed.). Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology. Part U. Echinodermata. 3. Asterozoa-Echinozoa. Kansas : Geological Society of America and University of Kansas Press Vol. 2.

Mortensen, T. 1948. A Monograph of the Echinoidea. IV (2). Clypeastroida. Clypeastridae, Arachnoididae, Fibulariidae, Laganidae and Scutellidae. Copenhagen : C.A. Reitzel 471 pp. 258 figs 72 pls.

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