Subphylum: Echinozoa
These generally have a rounded shape with symmetry running along an axis similar to Earth's polar axis. They lack arms or other appendages.
No Information Domesticated Near Threatened Endangered Extinct in the Wild
Data Deficient Least Concern Vulnerable Critically Endangered
Data Deficient Least Concern Vulnerable Critically Endangered
Class: Echinoidea (Sea Urchin)
Also called Sea Hedgehogs, there are 13 orders containing about 950 species of urchins. They can be found in all oceans at depths ranging from intertidal zones to over 16,000 ft.
There are 3 families described here.
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These live in the shallow regions of the Atlantic from Florida and the Canary Islands south to southern Brazil & South Africa. It is nocturnal and feeds on corals and sponges.
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Order: Camarodonta
There are around 8 families described here.
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Native to the shallow waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean, this urchin has an elliptical shape rather than a round shape. It grows to around 3 inches. It chews away at rock beneath it to make a hollow where it can hide in the day. It grazes on algae at night.
For more information select the common name above.
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Order: Diadematoida
There are 5 families described here.
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Also known as a Lime Urchin, Black Sea Urchin, or Grabaskey's Bane. Native to the western Atlantic and Caribbean, it is an herbivore that grazes on algae.
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Order: Echinoida
There are 4 families described here.
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Also known as the Green Sea Urchin. These are found in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean.
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Red Urchin
Mesocentrotus franciscanus Colors range from red to dark burgundy. These urchins live along the rocky Pacific coastline of North America from Baja, CA to Alaska. They lives in clumps of nearly a dozen and can regenerate their spines if necessary. The excess carbon traces from atom-bomb testing in the oceans allowed scientists to mark the urchins. Research has led scientists to conclude that the largest of these urchins could be 200 years old.
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These live along the west coast of the United States and Canada. They can live 70 years.
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Class: Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumber)
Named for their resemblance to the vegetable, there are around 1,700 species of Sea Cucumber. They are found on the floors of all oceans.
Order: Aspidochirotida
There are 4 families and 390 species described here.
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Five-Toothed Sea Cucumber
Actinopyga agassizi Also known as a West Indian Sea Cucumber, this sea cucumber inhabits the western Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. Although not common, it lives in sea grass beds and reefs in a wide region.
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This animal lives in the shallow waters near Florida, The Bahamas, and in the Caribbean. It grows to about 8 inches in length.
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Chocolate Chip Sea Cucumber
Isostichopus badionotus Also known as a Three-Row Sea Cucumber, this species averages around 9 inches but can grow to nearly twice that length. It lives along the western Atlantic from North Carolina to Brazil. It lives at shallow ocean depths rarely exceeding 150 ft.
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These sea cucumbers live at depths up to 80 feet. They can grow to 18 inches in length and can travel as much as 13 feet a day when feeding.
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Can be found from Alaska to California from intertidal to depths of 800ft. Warty Sea Cucumbers are nocturnal and can grow up to 2 feet long.
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There are 11 families described here.
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Sea apples are filter feeders with tentacles. Stress can cause them to vomit their internal organs or a toxin. Sea apples can be challenging to keep as tank animals.
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Striped Sea Cucumber
Thyonella gemmata Also known as a Green Sea Cucumber, this animal burrows in silty surfaces typically among sea grasses. Although it is not listed on the ICUN Red List, it is one of the most abundant sea cucumbers. It feeds on bits of overhead marine debris filtering down from above.
For more information select the common name above.
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