This is the Colobocentrotus atratus or Helmet Urchin
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This is a helmet urchin.
It is a member of the Echinoderm family. In Hawaii, we call it hāʻukeʻuke kaupali, which means ”cliff clinger”. The scientific name is Colobocentrotus atratus. This urchin is commonly found in the powerful intertidal zone along rocky shorelines.
It is one of the most unusual urchins to live in Hawaii.
It has a deep maroon color. Unlike other urchins, they do not have spines or tines. This urchin has uniquely modified spines that resemble shingles or armored plates that are interlocking. They can be almost 2 times as strong as other urchins. This is because they have a strong suction ability, unique plates, and a streamlined shape that help keep them wave resistant. . This allows them to withstand these extreme and harsh habitats that many any other intertidal predators can not. They will graze upon coralline algae, marine periwinkles, and smaller urchins. If you look in our tide pools, there is a good chance that you can spot one of these unusual looking sea urchins.
This colorful image was taken off a West Maui Beach by the dedicated staff of Ocean Project Maui.
They offer custom, private snorkel tours around the island of Maui, Hawaii. Each #COLORSOFTHEOCEAN image you see in our monthly blog, was captured during a private guided snorkel tour. These amazing images, as well as images above and below the water of the clients/supporters are included in every tour at no additional cost.
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