[Originally posted to the Moorea Coral Reef LTER (MCR LTER) Marine Life Encyclopedia]

Banded Urchin or Double-spined Urchin
(Echinothrix calamaris)

Photo by Gerick Bergsma

Banded urchins are distinguishable by their two types of spines. Long, stout spines alternate with shorter, sharp spines that easily puncture skin.


	Banded Sea Urchins are found throughout the Indopacific.

	Inhabit reef flats and lagoons.

	Banded Urchins feed on algae by scraping rocks and other hard surfaces with their five teeth.

	Small fish (often cardinalfish) frequently hide among banded urchin spines for protection.

	Coming Soon - Moorea Biocode Database