Echinothrix diadema

Echinothrix diadema (Linnaeus, 1758)
Blue-black sea urchin

photo by Poppe, Guido and Philippe

Family:	Diadematidae ()
Max. size:	20 cm WD (male/unsexed)
Environment:	reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 220 m
Distribution:	Indo-Pacific: from Indian Ocean to Tahiti and from Japan to South Pacific Islands.
Diagnosis:
Biology:	Occurs in shallow coral and coral rubble areas at depths of 1 to 40 m (Ref. 81254), coral reefs and sandy areas (Ref. 129602). A generalist herbivore displaying nocturnal feeding behavior (Ref. 81254). Known to graze (Also Ref. 129602) on organic material and adults may also feed on live hard corals. Sometimes associated with commensal shrimp Stegopontonia commensalis (Ref. 800). Commonly found with Diadema spp. Bioeroder. Feeds on small and turf algae over hard substrates (Ref. 129602).
IUCN Red List Status:	Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:	venomous
Country info:

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