Sea urchins

The pincushions of the reef — sea urchins graze on algae in rocky shallows and along walls. Long-spined species like Diadema can puncture wetsuits and booties, so watch your buoyancy near the bottom and never grab bare rock without looking.

Last updated April 2026

Species

Sea urchin

(9 photos)

Up to 15 cm0–30mRocky reef

A spiny, dome-shaped invertebrate — the common Mediterranean species is dark purple to black with long, sharp spines radiating in all directions.

Covers rocky surfaces in shallow water — watch your hands and knees near rocks. Spines are brittle and break off in skin, causing painful irritation.

Observed at

Túneles de Port Salvi(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)Las Planetas(Sant Feliu de Guíxols)

Abu Nuhas(Hurghada)

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