Sea Urchins: These fascinating creatures are very important for the underwater ecosystem. Unfortunately, their numbers are decreasing day by day due to various reasons. Some sea urchin species are in danger of extinction.
Here are 9 incredible facts you need to know about sea urchins…
1- Sea urchins can live for 200 years in the wild
Especially the red sea urchin. However, many other species are also known to live in the wild for more than 30 years.
2- They also have hundreds of feet
These little feet, called Pedicellariae, are located between the spines. It allows the sea urchin to stand still or move on the ocean surface. However, these feet also help the sea urchin to catch various prey.
3- Sea urchins have five teeth
These unusual creatures of the oceans and seas can feed on both animal and plant foods. For this reason, they have teeth that cannot be easily recognized from the outside. Each of the 5 teeth in the center of their body has a jaw of its own! Thus, each of these teeth can move very easily and individually.
4- Clownfish may develop immunity to flower sea urchin venom
Clownfish hover near this dangerous sea urchin and allow a small amount of venom to enter its body. It repeats this process several times. Thus, it develops immunity to the deadly poison of the sea urchin.
5- The sea urchin named Toxopneustes pileolus is one of the most dangerous creatures in the world.
Also known as the flower sea urchin, this creature is so venomous that it can easily kill a human. The flower-shaped spines of this dangerous creature cause the poison to be transferred to other creatures. When this poison, which is quite dangerous, gets into the bloodstream of any living thing, it causes blood cells to clot and muscle spasm.
6- Sea urchins have no bones in their bodies
Sea urchins have a hard shell-like structure made of calcium carbonate.
7- The largest of the sea urchin species: Red sea urchin
Many sea urchin species grow up to 5 centimeters in length. However, the red sea urchin can grow up to 10 centimeters in length.
