Description

Also known as Indian Sea Urchin, Sea Hedgehog, Short-spined Black Sea Urchin, Striped-spine Sea Urchin.

Found singly, or in groups, amongst rubble, sand, and in seagrass meadows, under jetties, and around rocky shores.
They feed on algae and invertebrates.
Length - 5cm
Depth - 0-82m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific

Sea Urchins use tubed feet to get around, often in large impenetrable masses for protection.
Sometimes they hitch a lift on the back of crabs.
They have well developed jaws for grinding their prey.
Their anus is on top in most sea urchins, except the heart urchins where it is at the rear.
Predators of sea urchins are triggerfish and large wrasses, who nibble away at their spines before turning them over to eat the fleshy undersides.
Sea Urchins are highly venomous and can piece through a wet-suit.
Some are sensitive to light and have the ability to shoot venom loaded spines at a short distance.
To be avoided!! Ref: http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/echinodermata/echinoidea/urchin/temnopleurus.htm