Sea urchins are spherical marine creatures covered in pointy spines, which are attached to the hard shell, or "test," with ball-and-socket joints. The spines function to protect the urchin from predators and aid in locomotion.
Fast Facts:
- Class: Echinoidea
- Size: 3 to 10 centimeters
- Spine length: 1 to 20 centimeters
- Sea urchin eggs are eaten as a delicacy in Japan and Korea
- Diet: Algae, kelp and other small marine invertebrates
- Related species: Sea cucumbers, sand dollars and starfish
- Predators: Sea otters and wolf eels
Moving Pincushions
Like their close relatives, the starfish, sea urchins are covered in hundreds of tiny, tube-like feet which they use to propel themselves along the ocean floor and coral reefs. These tubular feet pick up edible algae and other vegetable matter as the animal moves, and then pass the food down to the animal's centrally located mouth.
Sea Urchin Recipes and Cooking
- California Sea Urchin Commission: From the Ocean to the Restaurant
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