PORT PHILLIP BAY


Sea Urchin 

Holopneustes purpurascens Agassiz, 1872

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

See below for information.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Echinodermata
Class:
Echinoidea
Order:
Temnopleuroida
Family:
Temnopleuridae
Genus:
Holopneustes
Species:
purpurascens

General Description

Similar to Holopneustes inflatus, but the test is thicker and more stronger, with more tubercles on each plate. The colour of the test is usually dull brown/grey or dark brown (Port Phillip). It grows to a larger size than H. inflatus. Test diameter up to 8 cm.

Biology

This species is common in intertidal areas and in shallow waters.

Habitat

Prefers environments with kelp.

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

8 cm

Diet

Omnivore

Harmful

Spines can puncture skin. Venom status unknown.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

Conservation Status

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

Author

article author Miskelly, A.

Ashley Miskelly is a Consultant with expertise in echinoid taxonomy

citation

Cite this page as:
Miskelly, A., 2011, Sea Urchin, Holopneustes purpurascens, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 25 Apr 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7730

Text: creative commons cc by licence