Echinocyamus
A genus of echinoderms with almost cosmopolitan distribution.
Echinocyamus is a genus within the echinoderm family Fibulariidae. Its members are found in nearly all parts of the world. The genus includes numerous species, such as Echinocyamus apicatus, Echinocyamus avilensis, Echinocyamus basseae, Echinocyamus bernaniensis, Echinocyamus bisexus, Echinocyamus bisperforatus, Echinocyamus caribbeanensis, Echinocyamus chipolanus, Echinocyamus convergens, Echinocyamus crispus, Echinocyamus cyphostomus, Echinocyamus elegans, Echinocyamus grandiporus, Echinocyamus grandis, Echinocyamus gurnahensis, Echinocyamus hungaricus, Echinocyamus huxleyanus, Echinocyamus incertus, Echinocyamus insularis, Echinocyamus intermedius, Echinocyamus jacqueli, Echinocyamus jaisalmerensis, Echinocyamus jeanneti, Echinocyamus kamrupensis, Echinocyamus lipparinii, Echinocyamus macneili, Echinocyamus macrostomus, Echinocyamus maropiensis, Echinocyamus megapetalus, Echinocyamus meridionalis, Echinocyamus nummulicus, Echinocyamus nummuliticus, Echinocyamus pannonicus, Echinocyamus parviporus, Echinocyamus parvus, Echinocyamus petalus, Echinocyamus planissimus, Echinocyamus planus, Echinocyamus platytatus, Echinocyamus prostratus, Echinocyamus provectus, Echinocyamus pusillus, Echinocyamus raoi, Echinocyamus rostratus, Echinocyamus scaber, Echinocyamus schoelleri, Echinocyamus sollers, Echinocyamus subpiriformis, Echinocyamus texanus, Echinocyamus truncatus, Echinocyamus vaughani, Echinocyamus wilsoni, and Echinocyamus woodi.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Echinocyamus
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Echinocyamus is a genus within the family Fibulariidae, comprising numerous species described by various researchers over time. The genus includes species such as Echinocyamus pusillus, first described by O.F. Müller in 1776, and Echinocyamus truncatus by L. Agassiz in 1841. Many species were named by workers including Mortensen, Lambert, Kier, and H.L. Clark, among others. The genus is notable for its wide geographic range, being found in nearly all parts of the world. Species within Echinocyamus have been described from locations as diverse as the Caribbean, India, Europe, and the Americas, reflecting its almost cosmopolitan distribution.
Reader's Guide
The genus Echinocyamus holds significance as a widespread group of echinoderms within the family Fibulariidae. Its almost cosmopolitan distribution indicates that species of this genus have adapted to a broad range of marine environments across the globe. The extensive list of species, many described in the 19th and 20th centuries by prominent paleontologists and zoologists, reflects sustained scientific interest in the group. The genus includes both extant and fossil species, such as Echinocyamus texanus and Echinocyamus vaughani, which were described from geological contexts. The variety of species names—often referencing geographic locations, morphological traits, or honoring individuals—documents the history of echinoderm research. The genus serves as a case study in the diversity and distribution of sea urchins, with its many species providing material for taxonomic and biogeographic studies.
Did You Know?
- Echinocyamus belongs to the family Fibulariidae.
- The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution.
- Echinocyamus pusillus was described by O.F. Müller in 1776.
- Over 50 species are listed in the genus.
More in Sea Urchins 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced