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Eucidaris thouarsii

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description Eucidaris thouarsii Overview

Eucidaris thouarsii is a species of slate-pencil sea urchin belonging to the family Cidaridae, described by Louis Agassiz and L. R. Desor in 1846. It inhabits the eastern Pacific Ocean, with a geographic range extending from the Gulf of California down to Panama.

This reef-dwelling echinoid is characterized by its thick, blunt, pencil-like spines, which are used for defense and stability in its coastal environment. It plays a role in reef ecosystems by grazing on algae and biofilm.

help Eucidaris thouarsii FAQ

What type of sea urchin is Eucidaris thouarsii?

Eucidaris thouarsii is a species of slate-pencil urchin, a type of cidaroid sea urchin recognizable by its thick, blunt, pencil-like spines. These spines are significantly thicker and less pointed than those found on typical sea urchins.

Where can Eucidaris thouarsii be found in the wild?

This species of sea urchin is native to the eastern Pacific Ocean. Its geographical range extends along the coastlines from Baja California, Mexico, all the way down to Panama.

When was the Eucidaris thouarsii urchin discovered?

Eucidaris thouarsii was officially described by the scientists Louis Agassiz and Edouard Desor in 1846. The species name honors the French naturalist Alcide d'Orbigny, whose colleague was exploring the region at the time.

How does the slate-pencil urchin interact with coral reefs?

Eucidaris thouarsii is known to be a bioeroder of coral reefs, actively grazing on coral skeletons and helping to shape the reef ecosystem. In places like the Galapagos Islands, they can be highly abundant and play a major role in controlling coral populations.

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