Chlidanotinae

Chlidanotinae is a subfamily of sea urchins within the order Camarodonta. These echinoderms are characterized by their flattened, discoid test, which is covered in relatively small, uniformly distributed tubercles. The ambulacral and interambulacral plates are fused, creating a strong, rigid structure. A notable feature of Chlidanotinae is the presence of a distinct peristome, the mouth opening, which is often surrounded by large oral spines.

Members of this subfamily are typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deeper shelf areas. They are deposit feeders, using their specialized oral apparatus to ingest sediment and extract organic matter. The spines of Chlidanotinae are generally short and blunt, aiding in their burrowing or clinging behavior on substrates.

Currently, the subfamily Chlidanotinae includes a limited number of genera and species, with some taxonomic revisions having occurred over time. Research into their evolutionary relationships and ecological roles continues to expand our understanding of this distinct group of sea urchins. Their morphology and feeding habits distinguish them from other camarodonts, contributing to the biodiversity of marine ecosystems.