General Description
Some individuals with thorns that may be very long and with spines terminating in thorny "crowns". Others show little more than an irregular surface with a few small stubs. The spines are usually densely covered with algae and marine growths. Test diameter up to 4 cm.
Biology
Depending on locality, the "thorniness" of the spines of this sea urchin may vary greatly. It is a difficult species to identify in the field because it is often covered with algae and other marine growth.
Distribution
Southern Australia.
Habitat
Subtidal areas, on coarse rubble and shellgrit-covered sea floor, to depths greater than 300 m.
More Information
-
Animal Type
-
Animal SubType
-
Brief Id
Tall flattened at apex test, long spines, lacks many miliary spines.
-
Maximum Size
4 cm
-
Habitats
-
Diet
Omnivore
-
Hazards
Spines can puncture skin. Venom status unknown.
-
Endemicity
-
Commercial
No
-
Conservation Statuses
DSE Advisory List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Not listed, IUCN Red List: Not listed
-
Depths
Shore (0-1 m), Shallow (1-30 m), Deep ( > 30 m)
-
Water Column Locations
On or near seafloor
-
Taxon Name
-
Scientific Author
(Lamarck, 1816)
-
Common Name
Thorny Sea Urchin
-
Phylum
-
Subphylum
-
Class
-
Order
-
Family
-
Genus
-
Species Name
tubaria
