#red urchin

[oceansoftheworld]

(Photo by Adam Hanlon)

The red urchin, fire urchin, false fire urchin, or blue-spotted urchin (Astropyga radiata) is a species of sea urchin found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean at a maximum depth of about 70 metres (230 ft) but more normally at 10 to 30 metres (33 to 98 ft). Its range extends from the African coast to Hawaii and Australian waters. Astropyga radiata is mostly nocturnal and feeds by grazing on algae. Although not deadly to humans, these urchin's quills are quite venomous and capable of inflicting painful wounds.

[psikonauti]

Red Urchin

[cool-critters]

Red urchin (Astropyga radiata)

The red urchin is a species of sea urchin in the family Diadematidae. It is a large species with long spines and is found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. Astropyga radiata is found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean at a maximum depth of about 70 metres but more normally at 10 to 30 metres. Its range extends from the African coast to Hawaii and Australian waters. It is often found in lagoons and bays where the substrate is sand, shingle or coral rubble. Sometimes many urchins collect together in one locality in dense aggregations. Astropyga radiata is mostly nocturnal and feeds by grazing on algae. The mouth is at the centre of the oral (under) surface where there are five powerful teeth in an arrangement known as an Aristotle's lantern. This urchin is light sensitive and can angle its spines towards an approaching threatening object.Although not deadly to humans, these urchin's quills are quite venomous; capable of inflicting painful wounds. 

photo credits: FredD

[montereybayaquarium]

Did you know that many of our exhibits use water directly from the bay? This means we get some amazing animals, like this beautiful red urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus), when we clean our plumbing! You can enjoy this prickly present right now in our touch pool.