Family

Common name: Echinometridae

Scientific name: Echinometridae

Echinometridae is a family of sea urchins commonly found in reef environments. Members of this family, such as the pencil urchin and the banded sea urchin, are known for their robust spines and play a role in grazing algae, which helps prevent overgrowth on the reef. They exhibit a range of colors and patterns, making them visually appealing in aquariums. However, their spines can be sharp and venomous, requiring careful handling. They are beneficial for controlling algae but may also consume coralline algae, which is often desired by reefkeepers for its aesthetic value.

  1. Hawaiian Pink Rock Boring Urchin
    Common name: rock-boring urchin
    Scientific name: Echinometra lucunter
  2. Rock Boring Urchin (Echinometra mathaei) underwater hidden in a hole in coral, lagoon of Bora Bora, Pacific ocean, French Polynesia
    Common name: Rock Boring Urchin
    Scientific name: Echinometra mathaei
  3. Caribbean Reef Urchin (Echinometra viridis)
    Common name: Reef Urchin
    Scientific name: Echinometra viridis
  4. Needle-Spined Urchin on Coral Reef
    Common name: Urchin Spine Snail
    Scientific name: Echinostrephus aciculatus
  5. Common name: Burrowing fine spine urchin
    Scientific name: Echinostrephus molaris
  6. oursin crayon , Heterocentrotus mamillatus
    Common name: slate pencil urchin
    Scientific name: Heterocentrotus mamillatus