Spiny Sea Urchin
Scientific name: Centrostephanus rodgersii
Click to enlarge image
Spiny Sea Urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii
Image: Dr Isobel Bennett
© Australian Museum
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Centrostephanus
- Species
- rodgersii
- Family
- Diadematidae
- Order
- Diadematoida
- Class
- Echinoidea
- Phylum
- Echinodermata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 17 cm
Introduction
The Spiny Sea Urchin has long, needle-like spines, which it wedges in cracks and crevices to secure itself to rocks.
Identification
The spines of the Spiny Sea Urchin may have a green iridescence, while the test (body) varies in colour from deep red to black.
Habitat
Spiny Sea Urchins live on intertidal rocky shores and in coastal waters to a depth of 35 m.
Distribution
The Spiny Sea Urchin is found in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Other behaviours and adaptations
This species has been linked to changes in abalone populations. The Spiny Sea Urchin is usually found in large numbers and affects the ecology of the reef by clearing areas of kelp, causing barren areas known as white rock.
