Black Sea Urchin
Arbacia lixula
Also known as: Black Urchin, Erizo Negro, Long-spined Sea Urchin, Mediterranean Sea Urchin, Sea Hedgehog
- Black Urchin
- Erizo Negro
- Long-spined Sea Urchin
- Mediterranean Sea Urchin
- Sea Hedgehog
Overview
Found singly, or in large groups, usually in shallow waters, of rocky coastlines.
Widespread Atlantic, Mediterranean
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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean
- Country only · 1
Found singly, or in large groups, usually in shallow waters, of rocky coastlines.
Adult photos 1
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