Magnificent Urchin

Urchins are Echinoderms, like starfish. The Magnificent Urchin (Astropyga magnifica) is a particularly beautiful urchin. The spines are long and arranged in a radial pattern that matches the major body plates, this urchin has a distinctive appearance. The anus, which is on the top, is large and round, like an eyeball. The spines are striped. They are also sharp and may break off in the flesh – be careful! The specimen photographed below was seen on the sandy patch between The Tugboat and the nearby reef off Tintamarre.

magnificent-urchin