What is the number one species that we pull up in our scallop drag? Green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis); sometimes as many as 300-400. Below is some information about our prickly friends.
· Have five hard teeth.
· Eat seaweed and scrape microscopic algae off rocks but will also feed on other items including dead fish.
· The spines are in ball and socket joints so they can move in any direction.
· Urchin roe, called uni is eaten in sushi and is a prized delicacy in many parts of the world.
· The sexes are separate and they reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the ocean at the same time.
· The larvae are planktonic.
Top view
An albino urchin.
Students counting the urchins from the scallop drag.
Urchin in the water (note the suction cup tube feet waving).
