Lytechinus
Lytechinus is a genus of sea urchins in the family Toxopneustidae. It is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Lytechinus species are known for their relatively small size and their distinctive spines, which can be either long and slender or short and blunt.
Common Names
Common names for Lytechinus species include:
- pencil urchin
- black sea urchin
- Caribbean sea urchin
Characteristics
Lytechinus species are characterized by their:
- Test (shell): The test is typically round or slightly oval, and it is covered with spines. The size of the test can vary depending on the species, but most Lytechinus species have tests that are less than 5 cm in diameter.
- Spines: The spines are often long and slender, but they can also be short and blunt. The color of the spines can vary depending on the species and the environment, but they are typically brown, black, or green.
- Tube Feet: They possess numerous tube feet that aid in movement and feeding.
- Mouth: Located on the underside, the mouth is known as Aristotle's lantern and is used for grazing on algae.
Environments
Lytechinus species live in a variety of environments, including:
- rocky shores
- coral reefs
- seaweed beds
- seagrass meadows