Purple sea urchin

Heliocidaris erythrogramma

Sea Life Native IUCN: Not Evaluated

About

A dome shaped test (body) with long spines coloured from mauve,brown, green, or white. This is the most common species of sea urchin in temprate waters

Size

Can grow to around 90mm

Habitat

In crevices on rocky shores, to depth of about 3 m

Distribution

Southern Australia from WA to NSW including Tasmania

Gallery

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Local Sightings

2 recorded sightings in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
Miskelly, A., 2011, Sea Urchin, Heliocidaris erythrogramma, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Quick Facts

Common name: Purple sea urchin
Scientific name: Heliocidaris erythrogramma (Valenciennes, 1846)
Family: Echinometridae
Category: Sea Life › Other
Origin: Native
Conservation: Not Evaluated

Australian Faunal Directory

Rules & Regulations

Check current size, bag and seasonal limits before taking this species.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Also Known As

Shortspined Sea Urchin

Information Website

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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.