Long-spined Sea Urchin

Diadema antillarum

''Diadema antillarum'', also known as the lime urchin, black sea urchin or the long-spined sea urchin, is a species of sea urchin in the Family Diadematidae.

This sea urchin is characterized by its exceptionally long black spines.

It is the most abundant and important herbivore on the coral reefs of the western Atlantic and Caribbean basin. When the population of these sea urchins is at a healthy level, they are the main grazers which prevent algae overgrowth of the reef.
The Long spine goodnight (sharper than I look) You don't want to step into me as I will protect myself. Did you know fish like the endangered species Banggai Cardinal have discovered I also protect their eggs? The male fish carry their eggs into their mouths for 4 weeks. Then, when they grow bigger, they spit them between my spines. Thus helping my friends to survive. Even without hard labor. Diadema antillarum,Geotagged,Long-spined Sea Urchin,United Kingdom

Appearance

''Diadema antillarum'' has a test, or "shell," similar to most other sea urchins. What distinguishes the ''Diadema'' is the length of its spines. Most sea urchin spines are 1–3 cm, but the spines in this species are usually 10–12 cm in length, and can grow as long as 30 cm in very large individuals.
Long spined sea urchin Sea urchins play a major role in the reef building process. They eat algea, scraping it off the rocks making it possible for corals to find a solid substrait to attach to. Where urchins are absent, so is seems, are corals. In the mid-80's a blight killed off about 90% of the population. This could be another reason for the loss of new coral growth. Diadema antillarum,Fall,Geotagged,Long-spined Sea Urchin,U.S. Virgin Islands

Naming

Research on the species ''Diadema antillarum'' is still in its early stages. The urchins can be grown in laboratories and then relocated. Returning the mature individuals into the wild can have a positive effect on the urchin density of the reef. The increase in population can also be aided by the artificial building of reefs: material such as concrete can encourage the growth of coral, and provide more niches for the urchins to hide from predators such as larger fish.

When there are still some areas of high-density urchins, it is possible to relocate urchins to other, low-density reefs. With these methods and the help of volunteer workers, it seems that the shift back to coral-dominated reefs and away from algae-dominated reefs is possible.

When re-locating Diadema it is necessary to remove most mature algae from the re-location area since there are toxins in mature algae that kills the Diadema.
Sea urchin Diadema antillarum,Long-spined Sea Urchin

Distribution

Research on the species ''Diadema antillarum'' is still in its early stages. The urchins can be grown in laboratories and then relocated. Returning the mature individuals into the wild can have a positive effect on the urchin density of the reef. The increase in population can also be aided by the artificial building of reefs: material such as concrete can encourage the growth of coral, and provide more niches for the urchins to hide from predators such as larger fish.

When there are still some areas of high-density urchins, it is possible to relocate urchins to other, low-density reefs. With these methods and the help of volunteer workers, it seems that the shift back to coral-dominated reefs and away from algae-dominated reefs is possible.

When re-locating Diadema it is necessary to remove most mature algae from the re-location area since there are toxins in mature algae that kills the Diadema.

References:

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