Common name: red lance urchin

General information

The Long-spined Sea Urchin, Stylocidaris affinis, is a distinctive echinoderm known for its long, slender spines and deep-water habitat. Unlike the more commonly known shallow-water sea urchins, this species is adapted to life in the depths of the ocean. Its spines are not only a defense mechanism but also help in locomotion along the sea floor.

Care

In the aquarium, Stylocidaris affinis requires a specialized environment that mimics its natural deep-water habitat. This includes stable water conditions with low light levels and a substrate rich in detritus for foraging. Care should be taken to ensure that the aquarium is free from aggressive fish that may harm the urchin's delicate spines.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Stylocidaris affinis is typically external, with females releasing eggs and males releasing sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In the aquarium, breeding this species is challenging due to the need for precise environmental conditions.

Habitat

Stylocidaris affinis is found in deep-sea environments, often at depths exceeding 200 meters. It is commonly associated with cold-water coral reefs and can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, from the coasts of Europe to the deep waters off the coast of Brazil.