Diadema paucispinum
Agassiz, 1863
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
This is another common "long spines" sea urchin. It is found in shallow water, typically between the surface down to 15 or even deeper. A taxonomic study based on genetics have shown that the two species of Diadema found in Oman are separate from the other species the Indo-Pacific (Lessios et al. 2001). Diadema paucispinum (clade b) is found in Dhofar but also in the Eastern Indian Ocean where it also mixes with Diadema savignyi (so far not found in Oman).
The species is characterized by long spines, often black, but sometimes lightly colored and a striking blue star marking the ambulacral grooves. There is no "red-eye" on the anal cone.
The species is characterized by long spines, often black, but sometimes lightly colored and a striking blue star marking the ambulacral grooves. There is no "red-eye" on the anal cone.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
D. paucispinum is found nearly everywhere in Oman where corals are found. Their abundance though fluctuates widely from reef to reef. In northern Oman, it is rare, but becomes dominant in Dhofar.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
Diadema paucipinum is similar to D. setosum in behavior and biology.