Rock-boring Urchin

Description:

Also known as Burrowing Urchin, Pale Rock-boring Urchin, Reef Boring Sea-hedgehog and Tropical Sea Urchin. They feed on plankton and algae, and grow to about 4cm in diameter. The spines on the lower side of this sea urchin are worn down by continual abrasion caused by the animal's constant attempt to stay in its hole. The longer dorsal spines, on the other hand, act as a defense against predators.

Habitat:

Found in shallow waters burrowed into coral or limestone areas of the reef. This is a circumtropical species.