long spined sea urchin
Diadema setosum
Black test and long tapering spines, red ring around anus and white spot over each genital pore
Morphology
This species has 5 distinctive white pigment spots. Distinguished from sister species, D. savignyi by the latter having distinctive blue markings on the test.
Behaviour
D. setosum may have the urchin srhimp Stegopontonia commensalis camouflaged along its spines. These urchins are primarily grazers, so die-off of individuals can result in overgrowth of reefs by algae. Most foraging and feeding done at night. Vulnerable to predation from fishes, including triggerfish. Can be dangerous to humans as sharp, brittle spines can easily penetrate skin, break off, and cause infection from associated foreign matter.
Method of reproduction
Sexual
Habitat
Marine
Shallow tropical reefs: Indo-Pacific 0-70 metres depth. Conspicuous and abundant on coral reefs.
Distribution
Common in tropical Indo-Pacific. Including Australia from Houtman Abrolhos to Heron Island.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Subphylum: | Echinozoa |
| Class: | Echinoidea |
| Subclass: | Euechinoidea |
| Order: | Diadematoida |
| Family: | Diadematidae |
| Genus: | Diadema |
| Species: | setosum |
| Name Published Year: | 1778 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Leske |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Diadema-setosum
Accessed 27 Apr 2025
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