Purple Sea Urchin
Strongylocentrotus
-19.0552, -169.922
Field Notes
Description:
A small, possible juvenile sea urchin, with grey/purple spines; bright, almost luminous bases and a dark centre. Main body is about 2cm in diameter.
Habitat:
Photographed on the shallow limestone flats, Utuko Reef, Western Niue, in about 3cm of water at low tide. Tucked sideways into a rocky crevasse
Notes:
According to locals, there was a huge die back of sea urchins last year, almost all of the adults were washed up dead and dying on the beach. However, eggs were left behind. I didn't see a mature sea urchin in a week of snorkeling in Niue, but these small, juvenile ones seem to be making a come back.
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