(Storsteinan - The Trondheim fjord / 22 meters / 7.29.2001)

Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Ophiuroidea

Order: Echinoida

Family: Echinidae

Scientific name: Echinus acutus

 

Norwegian: langpigget kråkebolle

Distribution: This sea urchin is common along the entire Norwegian coast, but you normally have to dive deeper than 20 meters. You may find it on gravel as well as on steep walls.

Characteristics: Due to the long spines, it should be possible to distinguish from the common sea urchin. However, hybrids exist, that can be difficult to identify. The shell is usually white, perhaps with shades of red or black. The color of the spines varies, both white, black and red is common. The diameter of the shell can reach 16 cm.

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