Family: Echinoderidae |
Bocas Species Database Habitat: Muddy sediment Natural History Notes: The specimen collected is mostly similar to the species Echinoderes imperforatus, but can be distinguished from it by the presence of distinct perforation sites. Also, if the specimen would not possess a middorsal spine on segment 11, it would be close to another species, Echinoderes kozloffi. Characteristics: The species presents key characteristics of the genus Echinoderes. However, the presence of six middorsal spines on trunk segments 4 to 9 and a special middorsal spine on segment 11 make it impossible to assign it to any known species within this genus. Middorsal spines on trunk segments 4 to 8 are rather common among species of Echinoderes, but no known species has an additional spine on segment 9. The recorded specimen probably represents a new species, but it cannot be described presently due to the limited number of available specimens. Notes: The description was based on one mature female specimen. |