Species · GBIF taxon 4341500
Collector Urchin
Tripneustes gratillaAlso known as Halloween Urchin, Priest-hat Urchin, Hairy Urchin
Collector urchins are distinctive reef-dwellers famous for using their tube feet to cover their shells with debris, seaweed, and shells as camouflage. They play a vital ecological role by grazing on algae, which helps maintain the health of coral reef ecosystems. These urchins display a striking array of colors, with dark bodies contrasted by short, blunt spines in shades of white, orange, or yellow.
MarineReef-dwellerNocturnal
Licensed reference(c)
Philippe Bourjon, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Macroalgae
- Seagrass
- Biofilm
Predators
- Triggerfish
- Pufferfish
- Lobsters
ThreatsHabitat destruction, water pollution, and overcollecting for the aquarium trade
HabitatsCoral reefs, seagrass beds, and rocky subtidal zones
Life span5 to 10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyToxopneustidae
- SpeciesTripneustes gratilla
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Pedicellariae can deliver a painful venomous sting; do not handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses tiny, venomous claw-like structures called pedicellariae between its spines that can deliver a painful sting.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by its spherical body covered in short, colorful spines and decorated with bits of debris.
- What to do
- Never pick up or touch this urchin; admire its unique camouflage behavior from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Look for debris: Spot them by searching for moving clumps of shells, pebbles, or seagrass leaves.
- Observe grazing: Watch quietly to see their tiny tube feet and mouthparts scraping algae from rocks.
- Do not touch: Avoid handling to prevent painful stings from their hidden venomous pedicellariae.
Reef Competitor (c) anonymous, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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