Lytechinus variegatus (Variegated Sea Urchin)

Illustration of a holothurian or sea cucumber

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

Illustration of a second Holothurian

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

Illustration of grazing using an urchin for example

Illustration of a seastar or starfish

Illustration of an orange seastar

Illustration of a blue seastar or starfish