Tropholampas loveni ( Studer, 1880 )

Filander, Zoleka & Griffiths, Charles, 2017, Illustrated guide to the echinoid (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) fauna of South Africa, Zootaxa 4296 (1), pp. 1-72 : 49

Tropholampas loveni ( Studer, 1880)

Fig. 54 A–C.

Tropholampas loveni: H.L. Clark, 1923 *: 395–397; Mortensen, 1948d: 342 –343. Pl. I, Figs 15–21 . Pl. XII, Figs 2–4 , 11 ; Clark & Courtman-Stock, 1976: 245; Schultz, 2009: 531, Figs 894–899.

Material examined. A23325 ; A 6431.

Identification. Test fragile, small, aborally raised. Apical disc with single genial plate (monobasal) in males, four gonopores; in females evolved to a brooding structure. Peristome sub-central, no bourrelets. Ambulacra simple, non-petaloid arrangement, pores small orally, none aboral. Primary tubercles slightly perforated, crenulated. Spines short, uniform, densely covering marsupium. Test and spines white.

Global maximum size. Maximum test length 8 mm.

Global distribution. Endemic to West and South coasts of South Africa; at 135–350 m depth ( Mortensen 1948d; Clark & Courtman-Stock 1976; Schultz 2009).

Remarks. This deep-water species displays sexual dimorphism, where females have evolved a deep and elongated apical disc to brood the young; males having a monobasal apical disc.

Figures

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 11. Stereocidaris capensis (MB-A 077743): A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view of preserved specimen. C. Close-up apical system of preserved specimen.

FIGURE 15. Plococdaris verticillata (SAMC-A 28236). A. Map showing distribution. B. Side view 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 54. Tropholampas loveni (male) (SAMC-A 6431). A. Map showing distribution. B. Aboral view of preserved specimen. C. Oral view of preserved specimen.