9 things you should know about sea urchins and exciting underwater life

Nature is home to mysterious and incredible creatures. In the underwater world, the number of these incredible creatures is quite large. One of them is the sea urchin, which can live in all the oceans and seas of the world. These adorable creatures are very important to the underwater ecosystem. Unfortunately, their number is decreasing day by day for various reasons. Some species of sea urchins are endangered. Still, more than 200 species of sea urchins live in nature. Moreover, new species of sea urchins are being discovered today. So, if things go well, these incredible creatures with unusual looks and interesting life cycles will be able to maintain their important position in the underwater ecosystem. Here are 9 incredible facts you need to know about sea urchins…

1. The largest of the types of sea urchins: red sea urchin.

Many types of sea urchins grow up to 5 centimeters in length. However, the red sea urchin can grow up to 10 centimeters in length. Thus, he bears the title of the largest living creature among the species of sea urchins. In addition, these creatures are mainly found in the North Pacific and Alaska.

2. Sea urchins don’t have bones in their bodies.

Sea urchins have a hard, shell-like structure made of calcium carbonate. In addition, almost all types of sea urchins have spines that help them defend themselves against underwater predators.

3. The sea urchin named Toxopneustes pileolus is one of the most dangerous creatures in the world.

This creature, also known as the flower sea urchin, is so venomous that it can easily kill a human. The thorns of this dangerous flower-shaped creature cause the poison to be transmitted to other creatures. When this rather dangerous poison mixes with the bloodstream of any living being, it causes blood cells to clot and muscle spasms. Subsequently, the poison can cause anaphylactic shock, convulsions and, ultimately, death.

4. Clownfish can develop immunity to sea urchin flower venom.

And consciously! The clown fish hover next to this dangerous sea urchin and allow a small amount of venom to enter its body. He repeats this process several times. Thus, he develops immunity to the deadly venom of the sea urchin. Of course, there is a reason in this dangerous game. Parasites living on the flowers of sea urchins are one of the most important food sources for clownfish.

5. Sea urchins are a favorite snack of many underwater creatures.

Even their dangerous thorns and deadly venom cannot protect these creatures from some dangers! Crabs, eels, many large ocean fish and even some bird species find sea urchins very tasty. In some regions, people also take great pleasure in eating sea urchins. But human threat and overfishing are putting some species at risk of extinction.

6. A species of sea urchin found in online stores.

In 2006, a marine biologist named Simon Coppard came across a rather unusual item for sale on eBay. The item sold by the shell seller was actually a previously unknown species of sea urchin! Moreover, the seller has been selling this uncharted species since 2014. The work carried out after the biologist’s realization of this interesting situation led to the identification of this new species. Discovered through internet trading, this creature has been named Coelopleurus exquisitus due to its bright and vibrant coloration.

7. These underwater creatures have five teeth.

These unusual creatures of the oceans and seas can eat both animal and plant foods. For this reason, they have teeth that are difficult to recognize from the outside. Each of the 5 teeth in the center of their body has its own jaw! Thus, each of these teeth can move very easily and individually. In addition, the teeth of sea urchins, like their bodies, are composed of calcium carbonate.

8 They Have Hundreds Of Feet Too

These small legs, called pedicellariae, are located between the spines. This allows the sea urchin to stand still or move across the surface of the ocean. It also helps in catching various prey. Also, this interesting organ functions as a kind of protective mechanism. These organs, which help the sea urchin’s body stay clean, are in constant motion.

9. In the wild, sea urchins can live up to 200 years.

Especially the red sea urchin. However, many other species are known to live in the wild for over 30 years. But captive-bred sea urchins have a lifespan of less than 30 years. Pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction are reducing the chances of these interesting creatures surviving in the wild.

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