Labidoplax buskii ( McIntosh, 1866 )

Pawson, David L., Pawson, Doris J. & King, Rachael A., 2010, A taxonomic guide to the Echinodermata of the South Atlantic Bight, USA: 1. Sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), Zootaxa 2449, pp. 1-48 : 43

Labidoplax buskii ( McIntosh, 1866)

Figure 37

Synapta buskii McIntosh, 1866

Labidoplax buskii .— Clark, H.L., 1908: 94, pl.5, fig.23; Pawson 1967: 152, figs.1–4.

Material examined. None

Diagnosis. A small form, up to 30mm long. Color pale, body wall semi-transparent with numerous calcareous deposits, grayish and without pigment, and appears whitish in alcohol. Body cylindrical with 11 tentacles, each with three digits, of which central digit is largest. Small lateral digits arising in distal one-third of tentacle. Tentacles have no calcareous deposits. Ossicles anchors (120–160 μm) and anchor plates (100– 140 μm), the anchor plates distinctive in shape, with a narrow posteriorly-directed “handle”.

Distribution. Northern Europe, MA to W FL.

Habitat. Clay bottoms; burrows in muddy substrates. 18–2117 m.

Remarks. This species has a broad geographic and bathymetric range.

Figures

FIGURE 37. Labidoplax buskii (McIntosh, 1866). A, whole animal; B, anchor plates; C, anchors.