Sea Urchin

Breynia sp. (in: sea urchins)

Sea urchins are spiky creatures that live in the ocean. They come in different colors like purple, red, and green. Sea urchins move very slowly and use their spines for protection.

Habitat: Marine

Appearance

The Sea Urchin has a round or flattened body covered in long, sharp spines that can be black, brown, green, or purple. It looks like a spiky, living pincushion, distinct from soft-bodied sea anemones.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumEchinodermataClassEchinoideaOrderSpatangoidaFamilyLoveniidaeGenusBreynia

Sea Urchin

Interesting facts

If a spine breaks off, a sea urchin can grow a brand new one!

Sea urchins can wear hats of shells or pebbles for camouflage and sun protection!

Some sea urchins live over 200 years, making them ancient ocean dwellers!

They chew food using five hard teeth, called Aristotle's lantern!

Special abilities

Sea Urchin has many sharp spines that helps them poke away predators, like a living shield.

Sea Urchin can move slowly and stick to rocks, even upside down, because of hundreds of tiny tube feet.

Sea Urchin can chew tough algae and other food because of their five-toothed 'Aristotle's Lantern' mouth.

Measurements & details

Average Diameter: 10 cm
Max Lifespan: 200 years
Approx Species Count: 950

Diet & Feeding

Sea urchins mostly munch on algae but will also eat tiny critters and decaying plants.

Primary Foods

algae
kelp
detritus
small invertebrates

Foraging Method

Grazing

Ecological connections

eats

sea otter

Enhydra lutris

Sea otters are a major predator of sea urchins.

eaten by

giant kelp

Macrocystis pyrifera

Sea urchins graze on kelp, sometimes forming 'urchin barrens'.

eats

sunflower sea star

Pycnopodia helianthoides

This large sea star preys on sea urchins.

eats

California sheephead

Semicossyphus pulcher

This fish crushes and eats sea urchins with its strong teeth.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Filter Feeder

Discover amazing animals that filter their food right from the water! They have special ways to strain tiny bits of plants or other creatures to eat.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Spiky/Thorny

Find creatures and plants covered in sharp points, which help keep them safe or catch a meal!

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.

Marine

Dive into the vast, salty waters of the ocean, teeming with an incredible diversity of life, from tiny plankton to giant whales! It's a watery wonderland.