Spatangidae

Spatangidae
Spatangidae
Spatangus purpureus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Echinoidea
Superorder: Atelostomata
Order: Spatangoida
Family: Spatangidae
Genera
  • Maretia Gray, 1855
  • Paramaretia
  • Pseudomaretia Koehler, 1914
  • Spatangus Gray, 1825

The Spatangidae are a family of heart urchins. There are four recognised genera within the family; Maretia, Paramaretia, Pseudomaretia and Spatangus.[1] Additionally, Spatagus and Prospatangus were previously recognised genera within the Spatangidae, but are now accepted as part of the genus Spatangus.[1]

The Spatangidae are marine heart urchins that feed on subsurface deposits and graze.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Hansson, H. (2009). Spatangidae. Accessed through the World Register of Marine Species on 2 August 2010