Fire Urchin
Asthenosoma variumAlso known as Pacific Fire Urchin, Elusive Sea Urchin, Variable Fire Urchin, Electric Sea Urchin
Fire urchins display a mesmerizing array of pulsing colors, with bright red, orange, and yellow bands flowing across their flexible, balloon-like bodies. These nocturnal echinoderms slowly crawl over sandy lagoons and rubble flats, using their lower tube feet to graze on algae and organic debris. They frequently host specialized symbionts, such as tiny Coleman's shrimp and zebra crabs, which find safe harbor among the highly toxic canopy of spines.
- diet
- Benthic algae, detritus, and encrusting marine invertebrates
- family
- Echinothuriidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction, ocean acidification, and water pollution
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years
NE
Venomous spines cause a severe, burning sting; avoid touching or stepping on them.
Spines are tipped with venom glands that deliver a painful, burning sting upon contact, causing localized swelling and throbbing pain that lasts for hours.
Never touch or handle this urchin; maintain a safe distance while diving or snorkeling over sandy reefs.- Observe from above: Maintain neutral buoyancy and float well above the reef to avoid accidental contact.
- Look for symbionts: Peer closely between the spines to spot tiny, colorful crabs and shrimp hiding in safety.
- Watch for movement: Observe the slow, coordinated pulsing of the venom-tipped bulbous spines.