Home > Invertebrates > Sea Urchins > Mesocentrotus franciscanus

Updated 12/5/2012

Family Strongylocentrotidae

NORTHEAST PACIFIC

Mesocentrotus franciscanus

Rock Quarry, Catalina, California, 25 feet

 

Goldfish Bowl, Anacapa, CA, 25 feet

Goldfish Bowl, Anacapa, CA, 25 feet

RED URCHIN

Common in crevices at any depth.  Red or black.  This is the primary species harvested for roe.  Attains 10 inches.  May live at least 200 years.  Japan to Alaska and outer Baja California.  Formerly known as Strongylocentrotus franciscanus.