Common Sea Urchin, Echinus esculentus.
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 A Common Sea Urchin grazing on the rocks in Connemara. |
Sea urchins belong to a group of animals called the Echinoderms, which includes Starfishes, Feather Stars, Sea Potatoes and Sea Cucumbers. All these animals are characterised by radial symmetry and have five arms, although these may be lost or modified while they develop. Sea Urchins have fused their arms to form a hollow disk of hard, chalky plates. The Sea Urchin is widespread around the coasts of Ireland and can often be seen grazing on small seaweeds (known as algae) that cover the surface of rocks. Click here for more info...
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