Dive.Explo360.fr

scientific endorsement
ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Pencil sea urchin

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

On deep dives, the Pencil sea urchin draws the eye with its long, thick spines, often colonised by sponges or algae. Inconspicuous but sometimes very abundant, it contributes to rocky seabed balance by recycling debris and organic matter.

Habitat de Pencil sea urchin Habitat
Detrital bottom, Rocky habitat, Coralligenous habitat
Profondeur de Pencil sea urchin Depth
30-1000 m
Groupe biologique de Pencil sea urchin Group
Echinoderm
Rôle écologique de Pencil sea urchin Role
Herbivore

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

This sea urchin is distinguished by its very thick, elongated spines, resembling small rods or pencils. Its central body, called a test, remains relatively small by comparison, measuring a few centimetres in diameter. The spines often show alternating light and dark shades. Over time, they may become covered in small organisms such as algae or sponges without harming it. As in other sea urchins, the mouth is on the underside and the anus on the upper side.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It mainly lives on rocky or coralligenous seabeds, often at considerable depths. It may also be encountered in sandy areas near rocky features.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It feeds on varied organic material: algae, debris and small attached organisms. It may also consume the remains of dead animals. Its diet is opportunistic and adapts to available resources.

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 Purple sea urchin Melon sea urchin Black sea cucumber White sea urchin Mediterranean Feather Star Basket star Royal sea cucumber

Same habitat and depth

Detrital seabed species Rocky seabed species Coralligenous habitat 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.