Gracilechinus


Gracilechinus is a genus of sea urchins in the family Echinidae.

Description and characteristics

The species in this genus are regular sea urchins, with a rounded test, bearing the anus at the top and the mouth at the bottom. They are extremely similar to species in the genus Echinus, but are differentiated by a primary tubercle on every interambulacral plate.
Most species in this genus are abyssal, and live in the North Atlantic or close cold seas.

Species

Species in this genus include:
ImageScientific nameDistribution
Gracilechinus acutus Europe
Gracilechinus affinis center Atlantic
Gracilechinus alexandri Northern Atlantic
Gracilechinus atlanticus Atlantic
Gracilechinus elegans North-east Atlantic
Gracilechinus gracilis Caribbean
Gracilechinus lucidus North-west Pacific
Gracilechinus stenoporus South Africa

Image:Gracilechinus acutus test.JPG|thumb|center|upright=1.3|Test of a ''Gracilechinus acutus''