Chondrocidaris

Chondrocidaris is a genus of sea urchins belonging to the family Cidaridae. These are regular sea urchins with long, sharp spines and a distinctive, often colorful test (shell). They are found in various marine environments, primarily in the Indo-Pacific region.

Blade-tipped Tiara-urchin, Rough-spined Urchin – Chondrocidaris gigantea

Common Names

Common names for species within this genus vary depending on location and language. Some examples include:

  • Pencil urchin (Chondrocidaris gigantea)
  • Slate pencil urchin (Chondrocidaris gigantea)
  • Spiny sea urchin (general term, may apply to other species)

Characteristics

Chondrocidaris sea urchins are characterized by:

  • Long, sharp spines: These spines can be quite long and are often tipped with a black or dark brown color.
  • Strong, solid test: The test is made of calcium carbonate plates and is typically thick and robust.
  • Varied coloration: Depending on the species, Chondrocidaris sea urchins can exhibit a range of colors, including brown, red, purple, and black.
  • Five-fold symmetry: Like other regular sea urchins, Chondrocidaris exhibits a five-fold radial symmetry.
  • Tube feet: They have tube feet that aid in movement and feeding.

Environments

Chondrocidaris sea urchins are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting various environments, including:

  • Coral reefs: They are often associated with coral reefs, where they graze on algae and detritus.
  • Rocky shores: Some species can also be found on rocky shores and seagrass beds.
  • Subtidal zones: They are typically found in subtidal zones, below the low tide mark.

References

For further information on Chondrocidaris, refer to the following sources: