Parechinus Explained

Parechinus angulosus, the Cape urchin, is a sea urchin in the family Parechinidae endemic to southern Africa. It is the only species in the genus Parechinus.

Synonyms

Description

Test round, diameter up to 60 mm, with a dense covering of short sharp spines which do not exceed 20% of test diameter. Test colour usually green, spines purple, but also green, red or off-white.

Distribution

Lüderitz to Durban, intertidal to about 100 m.

Natural history

Grazes on seaweeds, and population density affects the rate of kelp settlement. Provides shelter for juvenile abalone Haliotis midae and is an important influence on kelp forest ecology. Abundant on flatter areas of rocky reefs in the Cape. Eaten by West coast rock lobster Jasus lalandii.