Scientific Name:
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
Description
A purple-hued, spiny, round invertebrate up to 7 cm (3 in) across.
Behaviors
Crawls over rocks and the sea floor with many tube feet and uses its teeth and spines to dig holes for protection. Diet consists of kelp and other algae.
Fun Facts
Eating purple urchins can cause otters’ teeth and bones to turn purple!
Nature Topics
Photo credit: ©Kip Evans
