Home > Invertebrates > Sea Urchins > Diadema antillarum

Created 11/3/2013

Family Diadematidae

TROPICAL WESTERN ATLANTIC

Diadema antillarum

 

Higg's Reef, Key West, 15 feet
 
 

LONG-SPINED URCHIN

Common within crevices on shallow reefs except where depleted due to pollution.  Studies indicate these urchins are necessary to control algal competition with corals.  Test diameter of 3 inches, spines to 8 inches.  Bermuda south to Brazil.