Description

Also known as Edible Urchin, Hairy Sea Urchin, Pincushion Hairy Urchin, Pincushion Urchin, Sea Egg, Sea Hedgehog, Shortspine Sea Urchin, West Indian Sea Egg.

Found singly or in groups, amongst rubble, sand and in seagrass meadows, over coral and rocky reefs. Often found covered in debris, rubbish, seaweeds or shells.
Juveniles hide in crevices, holes and under rocks during the day, out foraging for food at night over the reef.
They feed on algae.
Length - 15cm
Depth - 0-55m
Widespread Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean

This urchin has a habit of grabbing pieces of seaweed, shell or pebbles with its tube feet and covering itself. This may act as camouflage and protect it from predators and the sun.

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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripneustes_ventricosus