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Strongylocentrotus
A small, possible juvenile sea urchin, with grey/purple spines; bright, almost luminous bases and a dark centre. Main body is about 2cm in diameter.
Photographed on the shallow limestone flats, Utuko Reef, Western Niue, in about 3cm of water at low tide. Tucked sideways into a rocky crevasse
According to locals, there was a huge die back of sea urchins last year, almost all of the adults were washed up dead and dying on the beach. However, eggs were left behind. I didn't see a mature sea urchin in a week of snorkeling in Niue, but these small, juvenile ones seem to be making a come back.
5 Comments
Thanks Mark. Only saw a few of these but at low tide they were barely in the the water. The only way I could get a photo was to rest the camera just below the surface and shoot - no zoom! Hence only up close photos!
Excellent spotting. It looks like they have internal lighting.
Thanks, was meant to be in Other :)
Great spotting from a fantastic location! I relocated it from Plants to Other for you.
Great spotting & information. Thanks.