Rousseaui Sea Urchin, Microcyphus rousseaui, a fascinating creature of the deep with a distinctive look. This beautiful sea urchin grows to a maximum length of 5 cm (2 inches) across its sturdy, rounded shell. While most sea urchins are covered head-to-toe in spines, the Rousseaui stands out with its short, somewhat sparse spines that allow a unique pattern to shine through. Its most striking feature is the intricate zigzag-shaped stripes that crisscross its body, areas completely devoid of needles, creating a truly eye-catching visual pattern.
You'll typically find this charming echinoderm making its home in two primary environments: either nestled amongst pebbles or in seagrass beds, or clinging to rocky shores. It prefers the deeper, quieter waters, thriving at depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters (approximately 33 to 98 feet). Like many of its sea urchin relatives, the Rousseaui Sea Urchin is a herbivore, diligently grazing on algae that grow on rocks and other surfaces, playing an important role in keeping the reef clean.
While not an everyday sighting, this intriguing sea urchin has been observed in various locations across the Indo-Pacific, including the vibrant reefs of the 🌊 Red Sea, and extending along the coastal regions from 🇴🇲 Oman all the way down to Eastern Africa. Spotting one on a dive is always a special treat, offering a glimpse into the diverse and sometimes subtly beautiful world beneath the waves.
