Long Spine Urchin
Long Spine Urchin, Diadema setosum, is a found on several reefs of the Indo Pacific region. This pincushion on legs is easy to keep happy from a dietary point of view. The urchin will primarily feed on algae (including coralline) and pieces of uneaten food. It has also been reported that this Urchin will also consume some hard and soft corals. The orange 'eye' that is used in the common description of this animal, is in fact the last stop on the urchin's digestive tract. Several animals have developed symbiotic relationships with this Urchin. Cardinalfish Apogon sp. will hover between the defensive spines during the day, moving outwards only at night to hunt. Sally Lightfoot Crabs will crawl beneath the urchin for the same protection offered by the spines.
Notes: The spines of the Urchin can inflict a sting with allergic reactions similar to a bee or wasp sting. They may also cause loosely piled rocks to tumble as they pass between them.
Detailed Information about this animal.
