Stomopneustes variolaris
(Lamarck, 1816)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
This urchin is common in Dhofar, in the shallowest part of the rocky communities, often at the bottom of deep crevices from which it emerges at night to feed not the seaweed and the encrusting algae.. They are often found on the beaches. Stomopneustes variolaris is a relatively large and sturdy urchin, with long bluish/greenish sharp spines. The spines from dead urchins are often found on the beaches among sea shells and pebbles.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
In Oman, this species appears restricted to Dhofar, near seaweed communities from which it feeds.
Worldwide, it is found in the Indian Ocean from East Africa to Sri-Lanka and India.
Worldwide, it is found in the Indian Ocean from East Africa to Sri-Lanka and India.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
The urchins likely feeds on algae. It is often found in deep crevices in which it protects itself from surf and predators. The endemic abalone Haliotis mariae is often found deeper in the same crevices.