How big is the West Indian sea egg?

West Indian sea egg (Tripneustes ventricosus) reaches 10–15 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the West Indian sea egg?

West Indian sea egg is found between 1–45 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the West Indian sea egg?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the West Indian sea egg?

Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

West Indian sea egg (Tripneustes ventricosus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Tripneustes ventricosus
Common name: West Indian sea egg
Category: Echinoderms
Family: Toxopneustidae
Genus: Tripneustes
Size: 10–15 cm
Depth: 1–45 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: seagrass, reef
Behaviours: herbivorous
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Tripneustes ventricosus reaches 15 cm. Large globular urchin with black-purple test and short white spines in distinct contrast. Frequently covers itself with Thalassia leaf fragments, algae and shells held by its tube feet for camouflage. Intensively grazes Caribbean turtle grass Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme meadows, regulating their biomass. Gonads consumed in Barbados and southern Caribbean. From 1 to 45 m.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the West Indian sea egg?: West Indian sea egg (Tripneustes ventricosus) reaches 10–15 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the West Indian sea egg?: West Indian sea egg is found between 1–45 m deep.
Is the West Indian sea egg dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the West Indian sea egg?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the West Indian sea egg?: Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Tripneustes

Tripneustes gratilla - Collector urchin

Other species in the family Toxopneustidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 422490)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2278879)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia