Phyllophorus

Grube, 1840

65 attributed species, 23 current

Medium forms, with robust cylindrical tube feet distributed over entire surface and with 12-20 tentacles of different sizes in two indistinct circles; the last tentacles appear at intervals after the animal has reached considerable size. Calcareous ring with distinct long posterior prolongations on the radials, interradials shorter or longer and often overlapping radials. Spicules delicate tables, feet with end plates and sometimes a few oblong curved supporting tables. Tentacles with few delicate rods and rosettes. Spicules apparently preserved throughout the animal's entire life. (Deichmann, 1938)

These are large to medium sized holothurian with 20 tentacles in two circles (15+5). The calcareous ring is made up of 10 pieces from which the radialia are usually divided in a few larger pieces. They carry forked tails which normally are composed of a number of mostly larger components. The supporting bodies of the epidermis are, when present, large grated towers. In very young animals these towers may also occur in short, four-columned towers. (Heding & Panning, 1954)