Fire Urchin
Asthenosoma varium
- Group: Urchin
- Typical depth: 0–167 m
- For divers: dangerous
Soft bodied and glowing red, the fire urchin earns its name from venom tipped spines that deliver a fierce sting to anything that touches it. It roams sandy and rubble bottoms feeding on algae and small invertebrates, often carrying tiny commensal shrimp and crabs hidden among its spines.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Echinodermata › Echinoidea › Echinothurioida › Echinothuriidae › Asthenosoma
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 214654.
FAQ
- How deep does the Fire Urchin live?
- The Fire Urchin (Asthenosoma varium) is typically found at 0–167 m.
- Is the Fire Urchin dangerous to divers?
- The Fire Urchin can be dangerous; divers should keep their distance.