Flower Urchin
Toxopneustes pileolus
- Group: Urchin
- Typical depth: 0–90 m
- Max size: 15 cm
- For divers: dangerous
Among the most venomous sea urchins on the reef, the flower urchin hides its short spines beneath a dense cover of flowerlike pincers that deliver a powerful sting. It grazes coralline and turf algae across rubble, seagrass and coral in water shallower than about 30 metres.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Echinodermata › Echinoidea › Camarodonta › Toxopneustidae › Toxopneustes
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 212449.
FAQ
- How deep does the Flower Urchin live?
- The Flower Urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus) is typically found at 0–90 m.
- Is the Flower Urchin dangerous to divers?
- The Flower Urchin can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.
- How big does the Flower Urchin get?
- The Flower Urchin grows to about 15 cm.