Chondrocidaris gigantea

Chondrocidaris gigantea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Echinoidea
Order: Cidaroida
Family: Cidaridae
Genus: Chondrocidaris
Species:
C. gigantea
Binomial name
Chondrocidaris gigantea
Synonyms[1]
  • Leiocidaris gigantea (A. Agassiz, 1863)
  • Phyllacanthus gigantea (A. Agassiz, 1863)
  • Rhabdocidaris gigantea (A. Agassiz, 1863)

Chondrocidaris gigantea, also known as the rough-spined urchin[2] or blade-tipped tiara-urchin,[1][3] is a species of sea urchin of the family Cidaridae. Chondrocidaris gigantea was first scientifically described in 1863 by Alexander Agassiz.[1]

Description

Chondrocidaris gigantea grows to between 20–25 cm (8–10 in) in diameter,[2] with each of its spines reaching 15 cm (6 in) in length.[2] Its spines contain thorns, allowing for the growth of algae and sponges.[4] In turn, the algae and sponges that grow provide camouflage for the sea urchin.[4] The amount of spines found on this species can vary depending on region, for example those found in Mauritius only have 5 spines while those in Hawaii may have up to 10.[5] The rough-spined sea urchin is primarily an herbivore, with most of its diet consisting of the algae that form on the coral reefs.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The rough-spined sea urchin can be found in the Central Pacific, including Hawaii, New Guinea and French Polynesia, as well as in Mauritius.[6][7] It prefers coral reefs in water depths deeper than 150 ft (46 m).[3] using the surrounding coral as cover.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c Kroh A, Mooi R (eds.). "Chondrocidaris gigantea A. Agassiz, 1863". World Echinoidea Database. World Register of Marine Species.
  2. ^ a b c d "Rough-Spined Urchin". Waikīkī Aquarium. 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  3. ^ a b "blade-tipped tiara-urchin - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
  4. ^ a b c Hoover, John P. (1998). Hawai'i's sea creatures: a guide to Hawai'i's marine invertebrates. Honolulu, Hawaii: Mutual Pub. ISBN 978-1-56647-220-3.
  5. ^ Clark, Hubert Lyman (1907). The Cidaridae. Museum.
  6. ^ Mortensen, Theodor (1928). A Monograph of the Echinoidea. C. A. Reitzel.
  7. ^ "Cook Islands Biodiversity : Chondrocidaris gigantea - Blade-tipped Tiara-urchin". cookislands.bishopmuseum.org. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
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