description Purple Sea Urchin Overview
The purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, is a marine echinoderm native to the eastern Pacific, with a range extending from Alaska to Baja California. It lives on rocky shores and in subtidal habitats, including kelp forests, and is recognized by its purple spines. Researchers use it as a model for developmental and evolutionary biology; its genome was sequenced and published in 2006.
help Purple Sea Urchin FAQ
Where does the purple sea urchin live?
The purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, lives in the eastern Pacific from Alaska to Baja California. It is commonly found on rocky shores, in subtidal areas, and in kelp forests.
What does the purple sea urchin eat in a kelp forest?
It grazes mainly on algae, including kelp and other seaweeds, using its mouth structure known as Aristotle’s lantern. Large changes in urchin numbers can therefore affect the balance between kelp forests and urchin-dominated rocky habitat.
Why are the purple spines important to this sea urchin?
The spines help protect Strongylocentrotus purpuratus from predators and also help it move and brace itself on rocks. Its purple coloration and dense spines are among the easiest ways to distinguish it from many other Pacific urchins.
Is the purple sea urchin related to starfish?
Yes. Both are echinoderms, a marine animal group that includes starfish, brittle stars, and sea cucumbers. The purple sea urchin is classified as Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and has the characteristic echinoderm body plan built around a five-part arrangement.
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