Fauna - Echinoderms

Illustration of Acanthaster planci (Crown-of-Thorns starfish), which preys on corals

The black sea urchin, also called a long-spined sea urchin, is the most abundant and important herbivore on the coral reefs of the western Atlantic and Caribbean basin. When the population of these sea urchins is at a healthy level, they are the main grazers which prevent algae overgrowth of the reef

Front view illustration of a Long Spined Urchin. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region, in dark reef up to 30 ft deep. It is active at night, hiding in crevices or under rocks at night.

Illustration of a holothurian or sea cucumber

Illustration of a second Holothurian

Illustration of Linckia laevigata (Blue Linckia)

Illustration of Lytechinus variegatus (Variegated Sea Urchin)

Illustration of Daisy Brittle Star (O. Aculeata)

Illustration of Pteraster tessalatus (Cushion Star)

Illustration of Pycnopodia helianthoides (Sunflower Seastar)

Illustration of a seastar or starfish

Illustration of a blue seastar or starfish

Illustration of an orange seastar