How dangerous are Sea Urchins?

Open water divers have a number of creatures to be concerned about, including a few that are venomous and are a legitimate cause for concern. Among the creatures that are venomous but which don't pose all that great a danger are a few species of the many types sea urchins. read more

A sea urchin’s spines are its first line of defense. The length and sharpness of an urchin’s spines vary from species to species. Some species have stubby, blunt spines, while other species have long, sharp, venom-filled spines. Razor sharp spines can easily pierce even a thick wetsuit and lodge deep in a diver’s skin. read more

Toxopneustes! aka the"Flower Urchin" is one of four species of Toxopneustes (all of which occur throughout the tropical Pacific). One species, Toxopneustes pileolus is one of the most frequently encountered and as such, this is the name most often applied to sea urchins that have the distinct appearance (as seen above). read more