Shingle Urchin
ExplorarAnimal
Shingle Urchin
colobocentrotus atratus
The Shingle Urchin, also known as the helmet urchin, is a marvel of evolutionary engineering. Clinging to wave-swept basaltic rocks in the Indo-Pacific, this unique marine invertebrate has traded the long, sharp, menacing spines of typical sea urchins for a smooth, interlocking armor of flattened, shingle-like plates. This aerodynamic dome allows it to withstand the crushing force of crashing waves that would easily sweep other creatures away. Beyond its physical resilience, the Shingle Urchin plays a vital role in its intertidal ecosystem by grazing on tough, encrusting algae, maintaining a healthy balance on rocky shores.
Hábitat: Found on wave-beaten rocky intertidal shores, particularly on basaltic lava rocks exposed to heavy surf.
Aspecto
This urchin is easily recognized by its distinctive dome-shaped, helmet-like profile, which typically reaches 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter. Its upper surface is covered in dark purple to almost black, flattened, hexagonal plates that fit together like a mosaic, minimizing water resistance. Around the perimeter, a fringe of spatula-like, paddle-shaped spines flares outward, sealing the gap between the shell and the rock. The underside is flat, densely packed with strong tube feet used for gripping.
ReinoAnimaliaFiloEchinodermataClaseEchinoideaOrdenCamarodontaFamiliaEchinometridaeGéneroColobocentrotus
Categoría
AnimalRareza
Common
Peligro
1/5 · Muy bajo
Snaps
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Datos interesantes
In Hawaii, they are known as 'haukeuke' and were historically used by Native Hawaiians as a traditional food source and for making purple dye.
Their flattened spines are so tightly packed that they act like a coat of chainmail, defending them against both predators and crashing waves.
Unlike most sea urchins that cause painful punctures, the Shingle Urchin can be safely touched as its spines are entirely flat and blunt.
Habilidades especiales
Habilidad
Hydrodynamic Shielding
Its flattened, dome-like shape and tightly interlocking shingle-like spines allow turbulent waves to glide harmlessly over its body, minimizing drag.
Habilidad
Suction Grip
Utilizes hundreds of specialized tube feet on its flat underside to generate powerful suction, anchoring itself firmly against crushing waves.
Habilidad
Desiccation Defense
The tight perimeter of paddle-like marginal spines seals moisture underneath its body, protecting it from drying out during low tide exposures.
Medidas y detalles
- Longitud
- 5-8 cm
- Peso
- 0.05-0.15 kg
- Esperanza de vida
- 5-10 años
- Tamaño de la puesta
- 10000-50000
- Incubación
- 20-30 días
Dieta y alimentación
Grazes on tough encrusting coralline algae and organic biofilms from rock surfaces using its specialized chewing apparatus, known as Aristotle's lantern.
Diferencias por edad: Larvae are planktonic and feed on microscopic phytoplankton, while adults transition to grazing on sessile rocky algae.
Alimentos principales
- Coralline algae
- Encrusting algae
- Microscopic biofilms
Método de búsqueda
- Grazing
Conexiones ecológicas
hunts
Coralline Algae
Lithophyllum kotschyanum
Grazes upon this encrusting coralline alga as its primary food source on rocky shores.
eaten by
Wandering Tattler
Tringa incana
Forages on exposed intertidal reefs during low tide, feeding on urchins and other invertebrates.
Rasgos
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También conocido como
Todavía no hay alias listados.
Colecciones
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Seguridad
Peligro
1/5 · Muy bajo
Todavía no hay notas especiales de seguridad.
Preguntas frecuentes
¿Cómo identificar a Shingle Urchin?
La forma más fácil de identificar a Shingle Urchin es usar la aplicación de identificación de naturaleza Snappit.
¿Cuál es el longitud de Shingle Urchin?
5-8 cm
¿Cuál es el peso de Shingle Urchin?
0.05-0.15 kg
¿Cuál es el esperanza de vida de Shingle Urchin?
5-10 años
¿Qué come Shingle Urchin?
Grazes on tough encrusting coralline algae and organic biofilms from rock surfaces using its specialized chewing apparatus, known as Aristotle's lantern.
¿Dónde se encuentra normalmente Shingle Urchin?
Found on wave-beaten rocky intertidal shores, particularly on basaltic lava rocks exposed to heavy surf.
¿Cómo caza Shingle Urchin?
Grazing
¿Cuál es el tamaño de la puesta de Shingle Urchin?
10000-50000
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