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]
| Chondrocidaris gigantea | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Echinoidea |
| Order: | Cidaroida |
| Family: | Cidaridae |
| Genus: | Chondrocidaris |
| Species: | C. gigantea
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| Binomial name | |
| Chondrocidaris gigantea A. Agassiz, 1863
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
editChondrocidaris 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
editThe 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
edit- ^ a b c Kroh A, Mooi R (eds.). "Chondrocidaris gigantea A. Agassiz, 1863". World Echinoidea Database. World Register of Marine Species.
- ^ a b c d "Rough-Spined Urchin". Waikīkī Aquarium. 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ a b "blade-tipped tiara-urchin - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Clark, Hubert Lyman (1907). The Cidaridae. Museum.
- ^ Mortensen, Theodor (1928). A Monograph of the Echinoidea. C. A. Reitzel.
- ^ "Cook Islands Biodiversity : Chondrocidaris gigantea - Blade-tipped Tiara-urchin". cookislands.bishopmuseum.org. Retrieved 2024-02-24.