Postcard from the Reef – Helmet Urchin

They are everywhere in the tide zone, an extraordinarily common species. So common I usually forget to take a picture. A closer look shows a cool animal. The spines are modified, no sharp needles here, armor plates instead. An excellent arrangement for resisting the fury of the waves and still giving protection from would be predators.

Helmet Urchin
Helmet urchin (Colobocentrotus atratus) in the tidal zona at O'oma