General Description

This spherical sea urchin has bright red tipped spines. The colour of the test is green-grey and the surface is densely covered with secondary tubercles with the poriferous zones haphazardly distributed. It is distinguished from the other species in its genus group by having ambulacra wider than the interambulacra. Test diameter up to 8 cm.

Biology

This spherical sea urchin is the largest species in its genus group. It is common in shallow waters.

Habitat

Amongst kelp, to depth of 6 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern Australia, excluding Tasmania.

Species Group

Sea urchins

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

8 cm

Diet

Omnivore

Harmful

Spines can puncture skin. Venom status unknown.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 3428

Identify

• Sea Urchins

Conservation Status

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