General Description

The overall shape of this sea urchin is spherical. The spines are very short (< 5 mm) and uniform in length. Spine colour is variable: orange, dark red, pink and yellowish. The test is usually brightly coloured and finely tuberculated. Test diameter up to 5 cm.

Biology

This urchin is often completely camouflaged by seagrass and algae. It is common in intertidal areas and in shallow waters.

Habitat

Amongst seagrass and algae in bays, in intertidal and shallow waters, to depth of 22 m.

Seagrass meadows

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Sea urchins

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

5 cm

Diet

Omnivore

Harmful

Spines can puncture skin. Venom status unknown.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 3848

Identify

• Sea Urchins

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed