General Description
This sea urchin is distinguished from other species by its hollow spines that are rough to the touch from spine tip to spine base. The spines are dark purple in colour, almost black, but may show a luminous green tinge in the presence of strong sunlight. They can reach a length of about 9 cm. The bare test is whitish with light mauve tubercles. Test diameter up to 10 cm.
Biology
This sea urchin is common on Victoria's coast. It is most abundant just below low tide level.
Distribution
New Zealand and eastern Australia. Eastern Victoria, potentially near Port Phillip.
Habitat
On rocky exposed shores, including just below low tide, to depth of 50 m.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Dome-shaped test, long spines.
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Maximum Size
10 cm
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Habitats
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Diet
Omnivore
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Hazards
Venomous spines can puncture skin.
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Endemicity
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
DSE Advisory List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Not listed
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Depths
Shore (0-1 m), Shallow (1-30 m), Deep ( > 30 m)
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Water Column Locations
On or near seafloor
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Taxon Name
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Scientific Author
(Agassiz, 1863)
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Common Name
Black Sea Urchin
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Other Names
Roger's Sea Urchin
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Phylum
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Subphylum
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Class
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
rodgersii
