First distribution record of regular echinoids (Echinodermata; Echinoidea) from Chennai Coast,South India

Abstract

The regular echinoids were recorded from Chennai Coast,Tamilnadu, South India and the animals were belong to 4 families, 5 genera and 5 species. An identification key to generic level and synoptic description are provided. Temnopleurid sea urchin Salmaciella oligopora (Clark, 1916) was recorded for the first time in 20-30m depth between Chennai and Pondicherry Coasts, South East Coast of India. Salmaciella oligopora molecular identification was confirmed using 18S rRNA sequencing and compared to Genbank. Salmaciella oligopora nucleotide analysis in BLASTn (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool of nucleotide) result showed 99% similarity in Genbank sequences. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed a close relationship to the Temnopleudiae family. Astropyga radiata (Leske, 1778), Prionocidaris baculosa (Lamarck, 1816), Stomopneustes variolaris (Lamarck, 1816), Salmacis virgulata (L. Agassiz and Desor )1846, were recorded first time from Chennai coast.