Purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Paracentrotus lividus
- Common name
- Purple sea urchin
- Category
- Echinoderms
- Family
- Parechinidae
- Size
- 4–7 cm
- Depth
- 0–80 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Caution
- Habitats
- rocky, reef
- Behaviours
- herbivore, sessile
- Ocean zones
- Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia
Description
A keystone herbivore that shapes algal communities. Prized in gastronomy but locally overharvested; populations are now declining in many areas.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Purple sea urchin?
- Purple sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) reaches 4–7 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Purple sea urchin?
- Purple sea urchin is found between 0–80 m deep.
- Is the Purple sea urchin dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Caution.
- What is the conservation status of the Purple sea urchin?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Purple sea urchin?
- Found in: Mediterranean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia.
Other species in the family Parechinidae
Sources
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia