description Echinocyamus pusillus Overview
Echinocyamus pusillus, commonly known as the pea urchin, is a small species of sand dollar belonging to the family Fibulariidae. Originally described by Danish naturalist O.F. Müller in 1776, this marine invertebrate inhabits the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The pea urchin is distinctive for its unusually small size, typically reaching only 5-10 millimeters in diameter, and its flattened, oval shape that distinguishes it from regular sea urchins.
This burrowing echinoid lives in shallow subtidal sediments and feeds on organic particles collected from the surrounding substrate.
help Echinocyamus pusillus FAQ
What is Echinocyamus pusillus commonly called?
Echinocyamus pusillus is commonly known as the pea urchin. It is a small sand dollar relative in the family Fibulariidae.
Where does Echinocyamus pusillus live?
The species occurs in marine habitats across the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is associated with sandy seabeds rather than freshwater environments.
Is Echinocyamus pusillus a type of sea urchin or sand dollar?
It is both a sea urchin and a sand dollar relative, because sand dollars are flattened members of the sea urchin group. Its family is Fibulariidae.
Who first described Echinocyamus pusillus?
The Danish naturalist O.F. Müller originally described the species in 1776. Its scientific name is still used for this small marine invertebrate.
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