Family

Common name: Collector Urchins

Scientific name: Temnopleuridae

The Temnopleuridae family, commonly known as Collector Urchins or Temnopleurid Urchins, includes a variety of sea urchins found in tropical and subtropical oceans. These urchins are known for their distinctive appearance, often featuring bright colors and intricate patterns. They play a significant role in the reef ecosystem by grazing on algae, which helps prevent overgrowth and maintain the balance of the reef. In the aquarium, they can be beneficial for controlling algae, but care should be taken to ensure they are not placed with delicate corals or invertebrates they might damage.

  1. The seabed at low tide. On the weathered exposed rocks, Mespilia globulus, a spherical sea urchin with many sharp prickles, is visible. Seychelles
    Common name: blue tuxedo urchin
    Scientific name: Mespilia globulus
  2. Common name: Bald-patch urchin
    Scientific name: Microcyphus rousseaui
  3. Common name: Dussumier's Dartfish
    Scientific name: Salmaciella dussumieri
  4. Common name: Salmacis Belli
    Scientific name: Salmacis belli
  5. Fimbriated moray being cleaned by shrimps in a hole of rock, Black long spine urchin (Mergui archipelago, Myanmar)
    Common name: Urchin Banded Shrimp
    Scientific name: Salmacis sphaeroides