Gephyrothuriidae

Deichmann, 1940

1 genus; 2 species

Small or moderately large forms with terminal mouth surrounded by a circle of 15 tentacles with 2 pairs of lateral digits. Body barrel shaped with a few pairs of whip-like papillae on the dorsal side and some abortive pedicels near the ends? Anus terminal, apparently never placed on a distinct tail as in most of the other Molpadonia. Calcareous ring simple, fairly tall with pieces firmly united. Tentacle ampullae lacking. Stone canal small, not attached to the body wall. Gonads opening in the dorsal mid-line, genital papillae present or lacking. Spicules totally lacking. Color greyish or white. Deep water forms. (Deichmann, 1940)