The complete larval development of an echinoid in the family Aspidodiadematidae is described for the first time from in vitro cultures of Aspidodiadema jacobyi, a bathyal species from the Bahamian Slope.
The echinoid family Aspidodiadematidae contains only two genera, Aspidodiadema and Plesiodiadema, all species of which are found at bathyal and abyssal depths (Hyman, 1955), many on island slopes in tropical seas.
Indeed, he recommends that the Aspidodiadematidae should be removed from the Diadematoids and elevated to the rank of order.
The order Diadematoida is currently composed of three families: Diadematidae, Lissodiadematidae, and Aspidodiadematidae (Smith, 1984).