Microcyphus rousseauii
(L. Agassiz in L. Agassiz and Desor, 1846)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
This is a small urchin, rarely exceed 4 cm in diameter. Microcyphus rousseauii is characterized by a large series of zig-zag naked (without spines) areas in the interambulacra. The color of these areas is typically blue or purple.The spines are short but sharp.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
In Oman, this species was found in shallow hidden between rocks or underneath seaweed or seagrasses. It appears limited to the Arabian Sea shores.
Worldwide, The species is common along Western side of the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea to South Africa.
Worldwide, The species is common along Western side of the Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea to South Africa.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
The urchins likely feeds on algae and sea weeds. This species seem to perform "covering behavior" and seems to be using preferably seagrass or seaweed.