Echinometra viridis reaches 7 cm. Smaller than its cousin E. lucunter, greenish-to-brown test, characteristic spines edged in green at their tips or entirely khaki-green, sometimes red-brown. Nestles in Caribbean coral reef crevices, where it grazes encrusting algae at night. More cryptic and smaller than E. lucunter, from 1 to 20 m. Important role in maintaining coral-algae balance.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Reef urchin?
Reef urchin (Echinometra viridis) reaches 3–7 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Reef urchin?
Reef urchin is found between 1–20 m deep.
Is the Reef urchin dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Reef urchin?