I’m just a simple 18 year old guy and zoology student that posts random factoids about obscure animals and general animal science/zoology/biology stuff so if you like animals this is the place for you, if you only like cute animals this is not the place for you… I also like astronomy and some weirdos from youtube called the creatures so I’m prone to reblog stuff about that too because this techically is a personal blog...
Disclamer: none of the pictures are mine unless stated
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Helmet urchin
(Colobocentrotus atratus)
also referred to as Shingle Urchins are a a species of sea urchin of the family Echinometridae. they can be found on rocks nears shores of the Indo-West Pacific particularly in Hawaii. they look very different from other sea urchins as their spines have been modified to be flattened and smooth in order to better withstand the waves that crash against the rocks they live on in order to feed on periwinkles and algae. they are usually a maroon color and grow as big as a softball.
Phylogeny
Animalia-Echinodermata-Echinoidea-Echinoida-Echinometridae-Colobocentrotus
Cool!