Sea urchin
Sea urchins are common throughout New Zealand with the largest
probably and most familiar being the kina (Evichinus chloroticus).
| They
are spiny, spherical, eating machines, with jaws powered
by an internal structure called Aristotle’s Lantern.
They feed generally on seaweed but can grind up all sorts
of encrusting algae and invertebrates. Urchins superficially
appear to be spiky balls, but on closer inspection, like
other echinoderms they also have groups of tube feet and
tiny jawed appendages with which they move, clean and defend
themselves. |
 |
Did
you know?
Sea urchins are a delicacy for many cultures around the world,
with the roe, or eggs being the most popular portion.
