Species Type:
Invertebrates
Common Name(s):
White sea urchin
Size:
This urchin's test, or protective covering, can grow to 1.6 inches (40 millimeters) in diameter.
Diet:
These urchins graze on algae such as kelp.
Range & Habitat:
These urchins have been found on sandy bottoms, often in large herds, and on bay-dwelling seagrasses. They can also be found near kelp beds. They have been seen as far north as Monterey Bay, California.
Details:
These urchins can be grayish or pale tan, sometimes with pinkish tinge. Also referred to as collector urchins, they earn their name for their behavior of collecting debris and attaching it to their spines to disguise themselves. This can include bits of kelp, algae, shells, and other materials they encounter in their environment.