How big is the Black sea urchin?

Black sea urchin (Arbacia lixula) reaches 4–6 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Black sea urchin?

Black sea urchin is found between 0–40 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Black sea urchin?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Black sea urchin?

Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Black sea urchin (Arbacia lixula)

Key facts

Scientific name: Arbacia lixula
Common name: Black sea urchin
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Arbaciidae
Genus: Arbacia
Size: 4–6 cm
Depth: 0–40 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky
Behaviours: herbivorous, nocturnal
Ocean zones: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Arbacia lixula is a sea urchin of 4 to 6 cm test diameter with uniformly black sharp spines and a black test. Prefers wave-exposed rocks, higher in the water column than its neighbor Paracentrotus lividus. Grazes coralline algae and helps maintain bare-rock areas. Spines are not venomous but very painful to step on: watch out when barefoot.

Photo of Black sea urchin

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Black sea urchin?: Black sea urchin (Arbacia lixula) reaches 4–6 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Black sea urchin?: Black sea urchin is found between 0–40 m deep.
Is the Black sea urchin dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Black sea urchin?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Black sea urchin?: Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Similar species

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 124249)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2278772)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia