I LOOK: Like a rolled up hedgehog and am the largest of our native urchins.
I LIVE: Around coastal reefs - 11 of the 70 sea urchin species in NZ can be found in coastal reefs.
I EAT: Plants and animals, but prefer brown seaweed. My mouth has a five-sided limy structure known as Aristotle's Lantern. My set of jaws and teeth help me grind up food.
Did you know?
We are some of the noisiest species found on NZ reefs.
At dusk, we create an “evening chorus” in the sea.
This is the sound (which humans can hear) of our jaws grinding food.
The sound bounces around and amplifies in our shells.
My super power is:
Using my fearsome spines to protect from predators.
I also I hold bits of weed, shell and gravel on me as camoflauge.
Though I am small (16–17cm) I am no match for rock lobsters, snapper or seven armed starfish.
I help the eco system by controlling and balancing the distribution of kelps and other encrusting species.
I am a Taonga species central to the identity and well being of many Māori.