Ten-lined Urchin – Eucidaris metularia

, Ten-lined Urchin - Eucidaris metularia, Eucidaris metularia
Depth: 0 - 500 m

Afghanistan, Alaska, Algeria, Andaman and Nicobar, Angola, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Arctic, Argentina, Ascension Island, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores Islands, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Corsica Island, Crete Island, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, El Salvador, England, Equatorial Guinea, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, Galapagos Islands, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Hawaii, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macedonia, Madagascar, Madeira Islands, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norfolk Island, North Korea, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Saint Martin, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sardinia Island, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Sicily Island, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia And The South Sandwich Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, US Minor Islands, USA, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Amvrakikos Gulf, Andaman Sea, Arabian Sea, Aral Sea, Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Barents Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bay of Biscay, Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea, Black Sea, Bohai Sea, Cantabrian Sea, Celtic Sea, Chukchi Sea, Coral Sea, Dead Sea, English Channel, German Bight, Great Barrier Reef, Greenland Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Fonseca, Gulf of Maine, Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Halmahera Sea, Iberian Sea, Indian Ocean, Java Sea, Korinthiakos Gulf, Labrador Sea, Levantine Sea, Lingayan Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Moro Gulf, Okhotsk Sea, Pacific Ocean, Pagassitikos Gulf, Salish Sea, Saronikos Gulf, Scotia Sea, Sea of Azov, Sea of Marmara, Siberian Sea, South China Sea, Southern Ocean, Thermaikos Gulf, Yellow Sea

The Ten-lined Urchin (Eucidaris metularia) is a species of sea urchin found in the western Atlantic Ocean. This species is readily identifiable by its distinctive ten lines of spines, which radiate from the central portion of its test (shell). The Ten-lined Urchin is a common sight in its native habitat, playing an important role in the marine ecosystem.

Description and Characteristics

The test of the Ten-lined Urchin (Eucidaris metularia) can reach a maximum diameter of 7.5 centimeters. Its most prominent characteristic is the presence of ten longitudinal lines of spines that run from the apex to the base of the test. These spines are typically black or dark brown in color and are often tipped with white. The body is covered in short, fine spines, known as pedicellariae, which help to protect the urchin from predators. These pedicellariae are often tipped with sharp points and can be used for defense as well. The mouth of the urchin is located on the underside of the test, while the anus is situated on the top. This urchin’s test shape is globose (round) and somewhat flattened, providing a unique visual appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Ten-lined Urchin (Eucidaris metularia) is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from the coast of Florida, USA, to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Its distribution encompasses a range of marine zones, including the epipelagic zone, the mesopelagic zone, and the bathypelagic zone. This species is typically found in shallow water habitats, ranging from the intertidal zone to depths of over 100 meters. They can be observed on rocky reefs, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sand bottoms, making them a diverse presence in the marine environment.

Taxonomy

The species Eucidaris metularia belongs to the Class: Echinoidea, Order: Cidaroida, and Family: Cidaridae. This classification places it among the regular sea urchins, characterized by their radial symmetry and the presence of five double rows of tube feet.

Feeding

The Ten-lined Urchin (Eucidaris metularia) is an omnivorous feeder, consuming a wide variety of food sources. Its diet includes algae, epiphytes, bryozoans (sea mats), carrion, detritus, invertebrates, sponges, and zoobenthos. This diverse diet allows the urchin to adapt to different food availability and ecological niches within its habitat. Its grazing activity can contribute to maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.

Associated Species

Image References

Leave a Comment