Imperial Sea Urchin

Some useful tools

Leave a comment
See Google Images

Description

Also known as Imperial Urchin, Imperial Lance Urchin, Pencil Urchin, Pencil Sea Urchin, Lance Urchin, Sputnik Urchin, Sputnik Sea Urchin, Sputnik Sea Urchin Seashell, Knobby Sputnik Sea Urchin, Mine Urchin and Land Mine Sea Urchin.

Found hiding in holes and hollows in coral and rock reefs during the day, coming out to feed at night.
Brown centre with thick arms.
Varies in colour from place to place.
They feed on invertebrates, sponges and even dead fish.
Length - 17cm
Depth - 0-15m
Widespread Indo-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!!

Fishy Stats

Length: 17cm
Depth: 0-15m
Found: Indo-Pacific
Eats: Invertebrates, sponges, dead-fish
Family: Sea Urchins
Species: Cidaridae

Tag Cloud