General Description

The spines of Victorian specimens may be pale green, mauve or brownish. The colour of the test may be mauve, whitish or greenish. Test diameter up to 9 cm.

Biology

This is easily the most common species of sea urchin in temperate waters.

Habitat

In crevices on rocky shores, to depth of about 3 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Sea urchins

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

9 cm

Diet

Herbivore

Harmful

Spines can puncture skin. Venom status unknown.

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 3098

Identify

• Sea Urchins

Conservation Status

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