Genus 350. Pleuraspis,[1] Haeckel, 1881, Prodromus, p. 467.
Definition.—Dorataspida without perforated plates; shell composed only of the meeting branches of the two opposite apophyses, which arise from each radial spine. Condyles of the branch ends bearing by-spines.
The genus Pleuraspis has quite the same structure of the shell as the foregoing Phractaspis, and differs from it only in the development of external by-spines; commonly each condyle of the branch end of the apophyses bears one zigzag by-spine, which is directed parallel to the radial main-spine from which the apophyses arise. Therefore each suture of the shell is armed with two divergent by-spines (Pl. 137, fig. 4).
Subgenus 1. Pleurasparium, Haeckel.
Definition.—Shell regularly developed with twenty-two meshes and forty sutures (sometimes twenty to twenty-four meshes and thirty-six to forty-eight sutures); each spine commonly with four branches, its two apophyses being simply forked.
1. Pleuraspis horrida, n. sp. (Pl. 137, fig. 4).
Radial spines roundish, somewhat compressed, very thick, conical, pointed at both ends, outer part nearly twice as long as the inner. Two apophyses of each spine simply forked, with short and broad branches and thickened condyles. Forty sutures, very broad. Twenty-two large meshes three to four times as broad as the bars. By-spines much developed, as long as the radius, zigzag, with alternating recurved hooks.
Dimensions.—Diameter of the shell 0.15, of the meshes 0.04 to 0.06; breadth of the bars 0.01 to 0.015.
Habitat.—Tropical Pacific (east of Philippines), Station 215, surface.
2. Pleuraspis amphithecta, n. sp.
Radial spines two-edged, leaf-shaped, strongly compressed, pointed at both ends; outer half longer than the inner. Two apophyses of each spine simply forked, with short and very broad branches; condyles not thickened. Forty sutures, broad. Twenty-two large meshes twice to three times as broad as the bars. By-spines zigzag, half as long as the radius. (Resembles Phractaspis complanata, Pl. 137, fig. 1.)
Dimensions.—Diameter of the shell 0.12, of the meshes 0.02 to 0.03; bars 0.012.
Habitat.—Central Pacific, Station 274, surface.
- ↑ Pleuraspis = Shield formed by ribs; πλεῦρα, ἀσπίς.
