Common name: Sea Urchins
Echinoidea, commonly known as sea urchins, are fascinating marine invertebrates that belong to the phylum Echinodermata. They are characterized by their globular shape and spiny exterior, which serves as a defense mechanism against predators. Sea urchins come in various colors, including black, purple, red, and green, making them a visually appealing addition to marine aquariums.
These creatures are primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae, but some species are known to be omnivorous, consuming small invertebrates. This dietary habit makes them beneficial in reef tanks as they help control algae growth, contributing to the overall health of the aquarium ecosystem. However, their feeding habits can also be a double-edged sword, as they may graze on corals or other desirable marine plants if not monitored properly.
Sea urchins have a unique water vascular system that aids in locomotion, feeding, and respiration. They move using tube feet that extend through their spines, allowing them to navigate rocky substrates and coral reefs efficiently. This adaptation is not only intriguing but also highlights the success of echinoderms in diverse marine environments.
When considering adding sea urchins to a home aquarium, it's important to ensure that the tank environment mimics their natural habitat. This includes maintaining stable water parameters, providing ample hiding spaces, and ensuring a balanced diet. Hobbyists should also be cautious of the species they select, as some sea urchins can grow quite large and may require more space than initially anticipated. Additionally, handling sea urchins should be done with care due to their spines, which can cause injury if not handled properly.
Overall, Echinoidea can be a captivating and useful addition to marine aquariums, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Their presence can enhance the biodiversity of a tank while also serving practical roles in maintaining the ecosystem balance.
- Common name: Fire UrchinScientific name: Asthenosoma ijimai
- Common name: variable fire urchinScientific name: Asthenosoma varium
- Common name: Pale spine fire urchinScientific name: Astropyga magnifica
Common name: Blue-spotted UrchinScientific name: Astropyga radiata- Common name: Lesser Sand DollarScientific name: Brissus latecarinatus
- Common name: groove burrowing urchinScientific name: Brissus unicolor
- Common name: long-spined urchinScientific name: Centrostephanus longispinus
- Common name: Long-spined Sea UrchinScientific name: Centrostephanus rodgersii
- Common name: Sand DollarScientific name: Clypeaster humilis
- Common name: Sand DollarScientific name: Clypeaster reticulatus
- Common name: sea biscuitScientific name: Clypeaster rosaceus
- Common name: sand dollarScientific name: Clypeaster subdepressus
- Common name: Eccentric sand dollarScientific name: Dendraster excentricus
- Common name: long-spined sea urchinScientific name: Diadema antillarum
- Common name: Sea urchinScientific name: Diadema savignyi
- Common name: black longspine urchinScientific name: Diadema setosum
- Common name: sea-potatoScientific name: Echinocardium cordatum
- Common name: rock-boring urchinScientific name: Echinometra lucunter
Common name: Rock Boring UrchinScientific name: Echinometra mathaei- Common name: Green UrchinScientific name: Echinometra viridis
- Common name: Urchin Spine SnailScientific name: Echinostrephus aciculatus
- Common name: Burrowing fine spine urchinScientific name: Echinostrephus molaris
- Common name: banded sea urchinScientific name: Echinothrix calamaris
- Common name: Diadema urchinScientific name: Echinothrix diadema
- Common name: common sea urchinScientific name: Echinus esculentus
- Common name: Pineapple Sea UrchinScientific name: Echinus melo
- Common name: Sand DollarScientific name: Encope emarginata
- Common name: Pencil UrchinScientific name: Eucidaris metularia
- Common name: slate pencil urchinScientific name: Eucidaris tribuloides
- Common name: Slate Pencil UrchinScientific name: Goniocidaris tubaria
- Common name: slate pencil urchinScientific name: Heterocentrotus mamillatus
- Common name: Heart UrchinScientific name: Lovenia elongata
- Common name: variegated urchinScientific name: Lytechinus variegatus
- Common name: West Indian Sea EggScientific name: Meoma ventricosa
Common name: Red Sea UrchinScientific name: Mesocentrotus franciscanus- Common name: blue tuxedo urchinScientific name: Mespilia globulus
- Common name: Starry BlennyScientific name: Metalia spatagus
- Common name: Bald-patch urchinScientific name: Microcyphus rousseaui
- Common name: Purple sea urchinScientific name: Paracentrotus lividus
- Common name: pencil urchinScientific name: Phyllacanthus imperialis
- Common name: Cidaroid Sea UrchinScientific name: Plococidaris verticillata
- Common name: Crown-spined Pencil UrchinScientific name: Prionocidaris baculosa
- Common name: Pencil Sea UrchinScientific name: Prionocidaris bispinosa
- Common name: Green Sea UrchinScientific name: Psammechinus microtuberculatus
- Common name: Indiana UrchinScientific name: Pseudoboletia indiana
- Common name: Spotted Sea UrchinScientific name: Pseudoboletia maculata
- Common name: Dussumier's DartfishScientific name: Salmaciella dussumieri
- Common name: Salmacis BelliScientific name: Salmacis belli
- Common name: Urchin Banded ShrimpScientific name: Salmacis sphaeroides
- Common name: Sculpsitechinus auritusScientific name: Sculpsitechinus auritus
- Common name: Purple heart urchinScientific name: Spatangus purpureus
- Common name: violet sea urchinScientific name: Sphaerechinus granularis
- Common name: Purple sea urchinScientific name: Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
- Common name: red lance urchinScientific name: Stylocidaris affinis
Common name: Flower UrchinScientific name: Toxopneustes pileolus- Common name: collector urchinScientific name: Tripneustes gratilla
- Common name: sea eggScientific name: Tripneustes ventricosus