West Indian Sea Egg

A large bodied urchin with short thick spines. The body color is usually black, but can occasionally be a brownish-purple color or white. Populations in some areas have declined because of overharvesting for their roe (eggs). Found in most areas and at depths from 0-30 feet. They feed on algae which cleans rock surfaces. This cleaning process gives corals a solid surface to attach to. It is believed that they cover themselves with leaves, rocks, shells and other debris to protect themselves from the sun.