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Strongylocentrotus pallidus

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description Strongylocentrotus pallidus Overview

Strongylocentrotus pallidus is a marine sea urchin in the family Strongylocentrotidae. It is a regular sea urchin found in the North Pacific Ocean, including colder and deeper-water environments, and belongs to the same broader group as several commercially harvested strongylocentrotid species. The species is relevant to marine zoology and taxonomy, particularly the study of North Pacific echinoderm diversity.

help Strongylocentrotus pallidus FAQ

What is Strongylocentrotus pallidus called?

It is commonly called the pale sea urchin and belongs to the family Strongylocentrotidae. The species authority is G. O. Sars, 1871. [SeaLifeBase](https://www.sealifebase.ca/summary/Strongylocentrotus-pallidus)

Where does Strongylocentrotus pallidus live?

It occurs in cold northern waters, including the Arctic, North Pacific, and North Atlantic. It is a benthic species, and records place it from shallow polar water to much deeper habitats. [SeaLifeBase](https://www.sealifebase.ca/summary/Strongylocentrotus-pallidus)

Is Strongylocentrotus pallidus the same as the green sea urchin?

No. The green sea urchin is Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, while S. pallidus is a separate pale species in the same genus and family. Their ranges and depth habitats can overlap in places such as the Salish Sea. [Walla Walla University](https://inverts.wallawalla.edu/Echinodermata/Class%20Echinoidea/Echinoida/Strongylocentrotidae/Strongylocentrotus_pallidus.html)

How can Strongylocentrotus pallidus be recognized in the field?

S. pallidus often has pale or whitish spines and light tube feet, and it is usually found below about 30 m in the cited Salish Sea guide. The similar S. droebachiensis tends to show darker, often purple tube feet and differently sculptured spines. [Walla Walla University](https://inverts.wallawalla.edu/Echinodermata/Class%20Echinoidea/Echinoida/Strongylocentrotidae/Strongylocentrotus_pallidus.html)

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