Sea Urchins

Sea Urchins are a member of the Phylum Echinodermata, Class Echinoidea.  Rather then having arms or legs the sea urchin actually has long spines as a substitute.  These spines are used primarily for camouflage, locomotion, and defensive purposes.  The sea urchin feeds on sea grasses, algae, and decaying organic matter.  One can see their close relationship to the sand dollar and starfish by looking closely at their underside, near the middle, where the familiar 5 pointed star pattern can be found. 

To see how to preserve an urchin go here

Pencil sea urchin

Purple spined sea urchin

Sea Urchin test after being preserved

Another test after being cleaned. This shows another color form