Edible sea urchin  (Echinus esculentus)

Species information

Videos and images
Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

  • Calcareous: containing free calcium carbonate, chalky.
  • Larval: of the stage in an animal’s lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
  • Metamorphosis: an abrupt physical change from the larval to the adult form.
  • Plankton: aquatic organisms that drift with water movements; may be either phytoplankton (plants), or zooplankton (animals).

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (January, 2003)
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
  2. Tyler-Walters, H., 2000. Echinus esculentus. Edible sea urchin. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (August, 2002)
    http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Echinusesculentus.htm
  3. Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. Second Edition.Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
  4. Burnie, D. (2001) Animal.Dorling Kindersley, London.
  5. Buczacki, S. (2002) Fauna Britannica.Hamlyn, London.
  6. Penfold, R., Hughson, S. and Boyle, N. (1996) The Potential for a sea urchin fishery in Shetland.North Atlantic Fisheries College, Unknown. Available at: http://www.nafc.ac.uk/Research/fdn5seaurchin.pdf
  7. DTI. Conservation Sites in the Sea (January, 2003)
    http://www.offshore-sea.org.uk/sea/index.php
left