TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Echinoidea (Sea urchins)
Subclass: Cidaroidea
Order: Cidaroida
Family: Cidaridae
Genus/species: Eucidaris tribuloides
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Brown body with thick spines in all directions.
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: North Carolina through Brazil, Caribbean, Bahamas, Florida. Found in coral reef crevices, in turtle grass beds, or under rocks and rubble in back reef lagoon areas. Depth to 800 m (usually 50 m).
DIET IN THE WILD: Nocturnal omnivore: algae and small invertebrates such as sea squirts and sponges.
REMARKS: The spines of pencil urchins, unlike other urchin groups, are not covered with epidermis. They are, however, often covered with algae and epizoans that provide excellent camouflage. Spines are also covered with barbs that can inflict serious pain to a predator. Seek shelter in rocky crevices by day, using the thick spines to maintain a protected position.
References
Encyclopedia of life eol.org/pages/600976/details
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bocas_database/search/species/1130
Animal Diversity Web animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Eucidaris_tribulo…
Ron’s flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/4330820247/in/set-72157608501343477
Ron’s WordPress shortlink http://wp.me/p1DZ4b-1nk
Caribbean PR36
