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Size
3 inches (7.7 cm) across -
Diet
Seagrasses -
Range
Western Atlantic Ocean -
Habitat
Turtle grass flats, sand and gravel bottoms
Physical Characteristics
- Coloration varies: green, white, pink, brown, red and purple. High density of short and stout spines.
- Common width is 3 inches (7.7 cm). Common height is 1.3 inches (3.2 cm).
Animal Fact
Variegated urchins often carry bits of shell, plant material and other debris with their tube feet.
Diet / Feeding
- Diet consists of seagrasses.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the Western Atlantic from North Carolina and Florida, through the Bahamas and the West Indies.
- Found in turtle grass flats, sand and gravel bottoms and among mangroves at depths to 180 feet (55 m).
Reproduction & Growth
- Broadcast spawners- both sexes release gametes into the water column.
Conservation Status
- “Not Evaluated” on IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Tube feet often carry bits of shell, plant material, and other debris.
- Will sometimes aggregate at densities of up to 250 individuals per square yard, decimating areas of seagrass.
- Typical density below one individual per 2 square yards.
Sources
- Meinkoth, Norman A. Field Guide to Seashore Creatures. Chanticleer Press, Inc. New York. Pg. 690.
- www.floridabay.org/pub/bw_report/urchins.shtml
