Purple Sea Urchin
Strongylocentrotus purpuratusAlso known as Pacific Purple Urchin
Purple sea urchins are spiny, spherical invertebrates that dominate rocky intertidal and subtidal zones along the Pacific coast. They use their sharp, purple spines and tube feet to navigate turbulent waves, carving out protective depressions directly into solid stone over generations. When giant kelp forests are stressed, these resilient herbivores can form dense urchin barrens, stripping the seafloor of kelp and dramatically altering the local marine ecosystem.
- diet
- Algae, primarily giant kelp and bull kelp, as well as microscopic organic matter
- family
- Strongylocentrotidae
- threats
- Ocean acidification, warming sea temperatures, and pollution
- life Span
- Up to 50 to 70 years
LC
Sharp spines can easily puncture skin and break off; handle with care and watch your step in tide pools.
The sharp, brittle spines can easily puncture human skin and break off deep inside the tissue, potentially causing infection or foreign-body reactions.
Never step on them or squeeze them; if you must touch one, do so very gently without applying downward pressure.- Watch your step: Wear sturdy water shoes when exploring rocky tide pools to avoid stepping on sharp spines.
- Look for burrows: Observe how they use their spines and teeth to slowly erode and hollow out pockets in solid rock.
- Gently touch: If touching an underwater individual, lightly place a finger on the spines to feel them react and pivot toward you.