Scientific name : Astropyga radiata
Family : Diadematidae (long-spined sea urchins and red urchins, 46 species)
Size : 20 cm width
Distribution : Abundant throughout the Indo-Pacific, from Mozambique to Hawaii
Biology : This sea urchin especially likes sandy seafloors and seagrass beds. It is able to inoculate a venom causing severe pain. However, very few accidents have occurred because it is easily spotted. This sea urchin acts as a shelter for some small fish and crustaceans. The urchin crab is well known for carrying one around on its carapace in order to protect itself.
IUCN status : Not assessed
