description Salmacis dussumieri Overview
Salmacis dussumieri is a species of sea urchin belonging to the family Temnopleuridae, commonly found in the shallow and sandy regions of the Indo-Pacific. The species was scientifically named in honor of Jean-Jacques Dussumier, a French voyager known for his extensive expeditions in the region. Like other camarodont urchins, it is characterized by its globular test and defensive spines, which it uses to navigate its reef environment. It plays a specific role in the benthic ecosystem as a grazer of algae and organic matter.
help Salmacis dussumieri FAQ
What is the accepted name for Salmacis dussumieri?
Many modern taxonomic sources use Salmaciella dussumieri, with Salmacis dussumieri as an older name. It belongs to the sea urchin family Temnopleuridae. [European Commission species database](https://fish-commercial-names.ec.europa.eu/fish-names/species/salmaciella-dussumieri_fi)
Where does Salmacis dussumieri live?
It is an Indo-West Pacific sea urchin recorded from areas including Sri Lanka, India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia. Japanese records place it in shelf waters at roughly 10 to 180 metres deep. [Kyoto University checklist](https://repository.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2433/174487/1/fia0033_339.pdf)
Who is the name dussumieri honoring?
The specific name honors Jean-Jacques Dussumier, a French voyager, merchant, and zoological collector who lived from 1792 to 1883. His collections from South and Southeast Asia were used in the naming of many species. [Jean-Jacques Dussumier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Jacques_Dussumier)
Is Salmacis dussumieri the same species as Salmacis sphaeroides?
No. They are separate regular sea urchin species in the same broader family, although older literature and field guides may place related species under Salmacis names. Modern records list S. dussumieri under the genus Salmaciella. [Wild Singapore](https://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/echinoidea/urchin/salmacis.htm)
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