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Project Noah Nature School
Tripneustes ventricosus
A large bodied urchin with short thick spines. The body color is usually black, but can occasionally be a brownish-purple color or white. Populations in some areas have declined because of overharvesting for their roe (eggs). Found in most areas and at depths from 0-30 feet. They feed on algae which cleans rock surfaces. This cleaning process gives corals a solid surface to attach to. It is believed that they cover themselves with leaves, rocks, shells and other debris to protect themselves from the sun.
Area near Cooper Island, BVI.
Spotted on Mar 14, 2015
Submitted on Jun 9, 2015
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