Animal Species:Pin-cushion Urchin
The Pin-cushion Urchin is a tropical species and its population in Sydney fluctuates. In some years it can be abundant while in other years quite rare.
Hairy Sea Urchin Tripneustes gratilla
Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
Alternative Name/s
Hairy Sea Urchin
Identification
The Pin-cushion Urchin has a brown or purple test (body), short white spines sometimes tipped with orange, and brownish-red tube feet.
Size range
15 cm
Distribution
The Pin-cushion Urchin is found in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. Also found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Habitat
Pin-cushion Urchins live in intertidal areas and coastal waters to a depth of 75 m.
Other behaviours and adaptations
This species has a habit of grabbing pieces of seaweed, shell or pebbles with its tube feet and covering itself. This may act as camouflage and protect it from predators and the sun.
Classification
- Species:
- gratilla
- Genus:
- Tripneustes
- Family:
- Toxopneustidae
- Order:
- Echinoida
- Class:
- Echinoidea
- Phylum:
- Echinodermata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags sea urchins, echinoderms, invertebrates, identification, wildlife of sydney, marine,
