Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

The purple sea urchin is a spiky little creature that lives in the ocean. It has a hard shell covered in sharp spines, which helps protect it from hungry animals.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is a spherical echinoderm covered in sharp, movable spines that range from deep purple to reddish-brown. It has a hard, spiny shell called a test, making it look like a prickly underwater ball. Its spines are relatively short and uniform, unlike some long-spined urchin species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumEchinodermataClassEchinoideaOrderCamarodontaFamilyStrongylocentrotidaeGenusStrongylocentrotus
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
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Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

Category

Invertebrate

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Each urchin has five-fold symmetry, meaning it's almost perfectly star-shaped inside!

Purple sea urchins can survive for hours out of water if kept moist.

Their spines are not poisonous but can give a painful poke if stepped on.

They use tiny tube feet with suction cups to slowly crawl across the seafloor.

Special abilities

Ability

Spine Re-Grower

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus can regrow lost spines and even damaged body parts because it has remarkable regenerative capabilities that help it recover from injuries.

Ability

Super Sticky Feet

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus has hundreds of tiny tube feet that help them cling tightly to rocks and surfaces, even in strong currents, preventing them from being washed away.

Ability

Rock Scraper

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus has a unique mouth called 'Aristotle's lantern' equipped with five hard teeth that help them scrape algae off rocks for food.

Ability

Scent Talker

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus can detect chemical cues in the water, which helps them find food, avoid predators, and even locate mates.

Measurements & details

Length
4-10 cm
Weight
0.05-0.2 kg
Lifespan
30-70 years
Top Speed
0.006 km/h

Diet & Feeding

These spiky creatures love to munch on algae and kelp, keeping ocean habitats clean.

Primary Foods

  • kelp
  • algae
  • seaweed
  • detritus

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eaten by

Sea Otter

Enhydra lutris

Sea otters are a major predator that crush urchins with their strong jaws.

eaten by

Sunflower Sea Star

Pycnopodia helianthoides

Sunflower sea stars can engulf and digest sea urchins with their many arms.

eats

Giant Kelp

Macrocystis pyrifera

Urchins graze on giant kelp, sometimes leading to 'urchin barrens' when populations boom.

eaten by

California Sheephead

Semicossyphus pulcher

California sheephead fish use their powerful jaws to crush sea urchins for food.

Traits

Also known as

Purple Sea Urchin

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Be careful around sea urchins, as their spines can be sharp and hurt if touched.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Strongylocentrotus purpuratus?

4-10 cm

How much does Strongylocentrotus purpuratus weigh?

0.05-0.2 kg

How long does Strongylocentrotus purpuratus live?

30-70 years

How fast can Strongylocentrotus purpuratus move?

0.006 km/h

What does Strongylocentrotus purpuratus eat?

These spiky creatures love to munch on algae and kelp, keeping ocean habitats clean.

Where is Strongylocentrotus purpuratus usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Strongylocentrotus purpuratus hunt?

Grazing

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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