Echinostrephus molaris
(Lamarck, 1816)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
Echinostrephus molaris is a small urchin, living within lime stone rocks and coral skeleton. It bore a vertical tunnel in the substrate which it never leaves. During feeding, the urchin extends its long spines vertically outside the opening of its burrow but will retreat towards the bottom when disturbed. It collect organic matter and small particles from the water column with its spines and tube feet.
In Oman, the spines are light-blue to light purple.
In Oman, the spines are light-blue to light purple.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
In Oman, the species is found everywhere corals are found. Its distribution is wide in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and western Pacific Ocean.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
Due to its unique live style, one pair the 3 pairs of tube feet associated with each arc is enlarged and is likely used to collect particles from the water column. The spines near the mouth are hooked to maintain the food as close to the mouth as possible. When food is abundant, the urchins accumulate food at the bottom of its burrow.