Dive.Explo360.fr

scientific endorsement
ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Purple sea urchin

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

On sandy or gravelly seabeds, the Purple sea urchin attracts attention with its purple shade and unusual habit of covering itself with algae or shells. Often seen in groups in winter, it contributes to seabed balance by consuming plants and debris.

Habitat de Purple sea urchin Habitat
Detrital bottom, Seagrass meadow, Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Purple sea urchin Depth
0-80 m
Groupe biologique de Purple sea urchin Group
Echinoderm
Rôle écologique de Purple sea urchin Role
Herbivore

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The Purple sea urchin is rounded and slightly flattened. Its colour is most often purple, but can also vary towards brown or red. It has short, thick, rather blunt spines, often pale at the tips. It reaches a fairly large size compared with other sea urchins. To conceal itself, it frequently covers its body with debris such as pieces of algae, Neptune grass leaves or shells, held by small appendages equipped with suckers.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives on varied seabeds, often made of sand, gravel or shell debris, but also near rocky areas. It occurs from shallow water to deeper areas.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It mainly feeds on algae and organic matter deposited on the seabed. It can also consume plant debris, such as dead Neptune grass leaves.

GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU

Unlock the full profile

Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.

Choose my licence
  • HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
  • OUR OBSERVATIONS
  • UNDERSTAND THE SPECIES

Also included in the full profile

  • Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
  • Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
  • Infographic and illustrated summary profile
An active licence gives access to enriched profiles and AMIGANSEAU exploration tools.

Other species — Echinoderm

Long-spined sea urchin Pencil sea urchin Melon sea urchin White sea urchin Black sea cucumber Red Starfish Mediterranean Feather Star Royal sea cucumber

Same habitat and depth

Detrital seabed species Seagrass meadow species Rocky seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Herbivorous species

🧠 Understand the species

What is this species’ ecological role?

AMIGANSEAU Explorer Premium

Access enriched species profiles with advanced content (audio, infographics and detailed articles).

Explore all species easily through a single interface.

Enjoy a smooth, fast learning experience suited to every level.

🔒 The full profile is available with a paid subscription only.

Discover licences
DEPTH HABITAT PHYLA ECOLOGICAL ROLE

From recognition to understanding

After recognising a marine species, watch it in its environment in the diving videos. Articles and learning paths help you understand its habitat and its relationships with other organisms; games help you remember your discoveries.