magnificent urchin

[MMM]

I have been meaning to post a trip report of my last trip but haven't done so yet. But this was just so cool I wanted to share it:

The Humann ID book calls this magnificant urchin "rare" and usually found below recreational depths. I found it at about 60 feet right at the end of Tormentos and the end of Chakanaab (where the currents change direction). If I have ever seen one posted on this forum, I don't remember it.

 

[pelagic_by_nature]

Wow!! That is cool!!

 

[TSandM]

What a gorgeous critter! Thank you for sharing your unusual find.

 

[PeterNBiddle]

I found it at about 60 feet right at the end of Tormentos and the end of Chakanaab (where the currents change direction). If I have ever seen one posted on this forum, I don't remember it.

I know exactly where that is. What a handsome creature.

 

[Karibelle]

Beautiful photo, Marg! I think in this instance, that book is incorrect... these are not rare here, and are often found much shallower than indicated in the book. I occasionally see these shore diving, and someone recently posted a photo of one from in front of buccanos, where they were snorkelling.

 

[miked]

Nice picture!
Does anybody know what that spherical "thing" in the middle of the urchin is/is called??
Some years ago, I was in Coz, and I saw a similar creature on the bottom. As I swam over it, about 15 ft. off of the bottom, I looked down and the thing in the middle looked like an eye-looking back at me. Creepy.
Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[Dive Choice Mexico]

just beautiful!!!!!

 

[Karibelle]

Does anybody know what that spherical "thing" in the middle of the urchin is/is called??
Some years ago, I was in Coz, and I saw a similar creature on the bottom. As I swam over it, about 15 ft. off of the bottom, I looked down and the thing in the middle looked like an eye-looking back at me. Creepy.
Thanks in advance for the info.

Um, I believe that is its anus.

Sea Urchin- Enchanted Learning Software

 

[ccannon707]

Mike - then it was mooning you....

 

[miked]

Mike - then it was mooning you....

LOL, mooned by a sea urchin- A unique experience!

There is a comment about "the brown eye", but I'll let that pass.
Thanks for the info.