Salmacis virgulata L. Agassiz in L. Agassiz & Desor, 1846
Salmacis virgulata also known as a Regular sea urchin, its belonging to the family Temnopleuridae ,Salmacis virgulata is a common species available in the Indian coastal waters.
Current Status of Name :
This name is currently accepted taxonomically.
Rank : Species
Environment : Marine
Taxonomy Classification
- Kingdom : Animalia
- Phylum : Echinodermata
- Class : Echinoidea
- Order : Camarodonta
- Family : Temnopleuridae
- Genus : Salmacis
- Species : Salmacis virgulata
Salmacis virgulata
Description :
Morphology:
- Shape: Spherical body encased in a rigid calcareous test, often mistaken for the true purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus).
- Size: Specific size range unknown, but falls within the typical range for sea urchins (generally a few centimeters in diameter).
- Color: Primarily covered in purple spines, though sometimes mistaken for the true purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus).
Anatomy:
- Symmetry: Radial symmetry, with the body divisible into mirror image halves along any central axis.
- Test: Made of tightly fused calcium carbonate plates, forming a protective exoskeleton. The surface might have slight textural variations and openings for tube feet and water circulation.
- Spines: Mobile spines cover the entire test, varying slightly in length and thickness. They aid in locomotion and defense, with their purple color ranging from deep violet to lavender.
- Tube Feet: Extend from the underside of the test and are hydraulically controlled. These sucker-tipped appendages help with movement, feeding, and manipulating the surroundings.
- Mouth: Located on the underside (oral surface) and equipped with Aristotle’s lantern, a complex chewing apparatus made of five calcareous plates and teeth for scraping and breaking down algae.
- Sensory Organs: Light-sensitive structures at the tips of spines and tube feet allow the sea urchin to sense light and touch.
Habitat and Distribution:
- Salmacis virgulata prefers shallow coastal waters on rocky reefs and seagrass meadows along the Indian coastline.
Ecology and Behavior:
- Movement: Slow-moving bottom dweller, using tube feet to crawl across the seabed.
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae but may also scavenge for leftover food particles.
- Defense: The spiny exterior deters predators like fish, crabs, and sea stars.
Reproduction and Life Cycle:
- Reproduction: Sexual reproduction.
- Spawning: Adults release sperm and eggs into the water column during spawning season.
- Larval Stage: Fertilized eggs develop into planktonic larvae that drift with currents.
- Metamorphosis: After a period of planktonic life, the larvae settle on the seabed and metamorphose into young urchins.
Commercial Importance and Conservation Status:
- Limited Commercial Use: Salmacis virgulata has minimal commercial value compared to other sea urchin species.
- Conservation Status: There is no specific data available regarding the conservation status of Salmacis virgulata. However, general threats to sea urchins include habitat destruction, overfishing of predators that keep urchin populations in check, and ocean acidification.