Molpadia

Risso, 1826

53 species

Tentacles 15, with 1 sometimes 2 rarely 3 pair of digits and a terminal digit, commonly the largest of all. Body rather stout, usually with a distinct caudal portion, generally less than one third the length of the body. Radial pieces of calcareous ring with conspicuous bifurcate posterior prolongations. Calcareous deposits in the form of tables, often imperfect; perforated plates and more or less fusiform rods. In many cases anchors are also present in connection with either a single irregular plate or a group of 2-8 plates, which are often racquet shaped and form a rosette from which the anchor rises. Phosphatic deposits of yellow, brown or deep red color are commonly present. (Clark, 1907)

Tentacles 15, with 1-3 pairs of digits and a larger terminal digit. Body stout, with a distinct short tail. Radial pieces of calcareous ring with conspicuous bifurcate posterior prolongations. Calcareous deposits tables, often in very imperfect state, perforate plates more or less fusiform rods. Anchors usually present, though often scarce attached to racquet shaped plates usually arranged to form a rosette. Phosphatic deposits often present. Anal teeth usually present. (Mortensen, 1927)

Thin skinned forms with barrel shaped body which quickly contracts to a short thin tail. Tentacles 15 with a terminal digit and a few pairs of lateral digits. Spicules derived from tables or developed as huge rods or plates; in some species skin red from phospahatic deposits. (Deichmann, 1954, from key)

Calcareous deposits include tables, anchors and rosettes of racquet shaped plates and large fusiform rods in various combinations. Tail deposits tables or fusiform rods. Phosphatic deposits present or absent. (Pawson, 1977)