Sea Urchin
ExploreInvertebrate
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
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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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
Ability
Spine Shield
Sea Urchin has many sharp spines that helps them poke away predators, like a living shield.
Ability
Suction Cup Feet
Sea Urchin can move slowly and stick to rocks, even upside down, because of hundreds of tiny tube feet.
Ability
Algae Chomper
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
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Filter Feeder
Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
EchinoidSea Hedgehog
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Avoid touching sea urchins in the wild as their spines can hurt you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Sea Urchin?
10 cm
How long does Sea Urchin live?
200 years
What does Sea Urchin eat?
Sea urchins mostly munch on algae but will also eat tiny critters and decaying plants.
Where is Sea Urchin usually found?
Marine
How does Sea Urchin hunt?
Grazing
How many species does Sea Urchin include?
950
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