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echinoids
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| Phylum Echinodermata > Class Echinodea > sea urchins |
| Black
sea urchin Temnopleurus toreumaticus Family Temnopleuridae updated Dec 08 Where seen? This black sea urchin with short spines is sometimes commonly seen on some of our Northern shores. Large heaps of many individuals are sometimes seen. At other times, there are none to be seen. Sandy areas near seagrasses as well as coral rubble and rocky shores and under jetties. Features: Body diameter about 5cm, sometimes tiny ones about 1cm in diameter are seen among seaweeds. Short spines (1-2cm) with long translucent tube feet that may extend past the spines. The spines on the upperside are black and pointed. Spines on the underside are flattened and may be banded. Some have obvious light-coloured zig-zag lines radiating from the centre around the body. The sea urchin appears to 'carry' shells and other debris. May be confused with the Long-spined black sea urchin (Diadema sp.) which has much longer spines and is not often seen on the Northern shores. Prickly Home: Often, a large fat banded worm-like animal is seen curled around the mouth of the sea urchin. |
 Changi, May 05  Upperside. |
 Underside. |
 Zig-zag lines on the upperside. |
 Long tube feet. |
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 Flattened spines on the underside. |
 Worm-like animal around the mouth |
Black sea urchins on Singapore shores
 Sometimes found in large groups. Changi, Jul 04 |
 Large numbers gathered together. Pasir Ris Park, Jun 08 |
 Sometimes found in small groups. Changi, May 06 |
 Aristotle's lantern Changi, Jun 05 |
 Worm-like animal around the mouth. Changi, Jun 05 |
 Tiny one among seaweed. Changi, Jul 08 |
 Pasir Ris, May 09 |
 Test |
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 Pasir Ris, May 09 |
 Test of recently dead urchin. |
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