Rostrate pedicellariae: A morphologically distinct form of echinoid test appendage

The term rostrate was introduced by Mortensen ('07) to describe a type of pedicellaria he found in spatangoids. These pedicellariae resemble tridentate ones but have arching valves. Unlike the main categories of echinoid pedicellariae, no clear diagnosis of the rostrate form exists. This work examines the detailed morphology of the valves of rostrate pedicellariae observed by light and scanning electron microscopy and compares the shapes and dimensions of their component parts with tridentate pedicellariae. The data reveal considerable differences between the two, which warrant the recognition of rostrate pedicellariae as a distinct form. A diagnosis is given. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.