zoom_in Click to enlarge

Paracentrotus lividus

▲ ▼

description Paracentrotus lividus Overview

Paracentrotus lividus is a species of sea urchin found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, officially described by Lamarck in 1816. It is recognizable by its spherical, spiny shell, which usually presents a dark purple or brown coloration. The species is ecologically significant for grazing on algae but is also widely harvested by humans, particularly for its edible gonads, known as roe or uni.

help Paracentrotus lividus FAQ

What is Paracentrotus lividus commonly known as in culinary contexts?

Paracentrotus lividus is widely known as the edible sea urchin or purple sea urchin, and its gonads are consumed as a delicacy known as 'uni' in Japanese cuisine and 'oursin' in French cuisine. The species is commercially harvested in the Mediterranean for its highly prized roe.

Where can Paracentrotus lividus be found in the wild?

This species is native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including coastal waters along France, Spain, Portugal, and parts of the British Isles. It typically inhabits shallow subtidal zones, often grazing on algae in rocky crevices and seagrass beds.

When was Paracentrotus lividus first formally described?

The species was officially described by the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1816. Lamarck, best known for his early theories of evolution and inheritance, made extensive contributions to invertebrate taxonomy at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.

What ecological role does Paracentrotus lividus play in the Mediterranean?

Paracentrotus lividus is a key herbivore that controls algal growth on rocky reefs, and its overpopulation following the decline of natural predators can lead to destructive overgrazing that creates underwater 'barrens.' Conversely, in balanced ecosystems it helps maintain biodiversity by preventing any single algal species from dominating.

swap_horiz

Looking for Paracentrotus lividus alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward