Holothuria (Vaneyothuria)

Deichmann, 1958

6 species

Large cylindrical forms with up to 20 ventral tentacles and terminal anus. Ventral feet varying in number, not crowded and completely retractile; dorsal papillae and smaller feet, these formed often on warts, sometimes forming a conspicuous edge along the sides. One polian vesicle, one or more stone canals with short cylindrical head, Cuvierian tubules present. Spicules an outer layer of tables with a large disc, with smooth to dentate margin; spire of moderate height, ending in a few sharp teeth, mostly 8 lateral ones forming a more or less irregular Maltese cross and also 4 to 6 vertically placed spines. An inner layer of large buttons, often irregular, slightly twisted, incomplete, or with a few warts; with age, smaller, more regular buttons dominate. Buttons apparently lacking completely in H. (Vaneyothuria) zacae azacae. Ventral feet with end plate and long supporting rods or plates, often as narrow buttons, more or less irregular; dorsal appendages with small end plate or none, and rods & plates, often curved. (Deichmann, 1958)

Tentacles 20; pedicels either irregularly arranged or in three bands along the ventral surface, papillae irregularly arranged dorsally though a lateral flange of papillae is sometimes present; body wall soft and muscular, quite thick, about 3 (2-4) mm; body almost cylindrical but with a flattened ventral sole, arched dorsally; size moderate to large up to 350 mm; calcareous ring strongly developed, radial plates about twice as long as the interradial plates, the latter squarish and obtusely pointed anteriorly; spicules consisting of well developed tables, with flat spinous disc, spire of moderate height or high, terminating in several short spines which may give the appearance of a maltese cross when viewed from above, buttons usually scarce, smooth with three to five pairs of holes, often incomplete, irregular, or twisted. (Rowe, 1969)