description Ctenocidaris spinosa Overview
Ctenocidaris spinosa is a species of deep-sea cidaroid sea urchin primarily found in the cold waters of the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean. Like other members of the Cidaridae family, it is characterized by a rigid test and prominent, robust spines. These deep-water echinoids are adapted to survive in the extreme cold and high pressure of the polar marine environment.
help Ctenocidaris spinosa FAQ
What kind of animal is Ctenocidaris spinosa?
It is a species of deep-sea cidaroid sea urchin in the family Cidaridae. Its body has a rigid test and prominent robust spines, which are characteristic of cidaroids.
Where does Ctenocidaris spinosa live?
It is associated with cold Antarctic waters and the Southern Ocean. That deep-water range makes it very different from shallow-water sea urchins seen on warm rocky coasts.
Why does Ctenocidaris spinosa have large spines?
The robust spines are part of its cidaroid body plan and project from the rigid test. In Ctenocidaris spinosa, those spines are one of the clearest features used to recognize the animal.
Is Ctenocidaris spinosa a fossil or living species?
The catalog item describes it as a living deep-sea species from Antarctic and Southern Ocean waters. It is not the extinct echinoid Echinocystites pomum, which belongs to the Ordovician fossil record.
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