Purple Sea Urchin

Scientific Name: Heliocidaris erythrogramma

Description: Purple Sea Urchins have a rounded shape and are covered in flexible spines, with a set of powerful triangular teeth on the base, used for munching through algae. Tiny holes in their spherical hard shells (tests), allow tube feet to extend and hold onto food or surfaces.
Purple Urchins actually come in a variety of colours including red, brown, white, as well as purple, and are common species found on rocky reefs across Victoria where they graze on kelp at night while hiding under ledges during the day.

Type: Echinoderms – Other
Where to find: Subtidal Reefs
Size: 90mm