Round-Mouth Bean Urchin

Echinoneus cyclostomus

Round-mouth Bean Urchin is a distinctive echinoderm characterized by its rounded mouth and robust body. This species typically inhabits tropical and subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific and Western Central Atlantic. It can be found in various substrates, including rubble, coarse sand, and under rocks, at depths ranging from 0 to 570 meters. However, most occurrences are recorded shallower than 40 meters, with a significant number found below 210 meters. This urchin's unique morphology allows it to blend into its surroundings, making it less noticeable to divers. Feeding primarily on detritus, this species plays a role in the benthic ecosystem. It is a bottom-dwelling organism that utilizes its tube feet to adhere to surfaces as it forages. The reproductive strategy of Round-mouth Bean Urchin involves external fertilization, with eggs typically brooded on the peristome or in concavities on the petaloids. The larvae develop into planktotrophic forms before settling on the ocean floor to metamorphose into juvenile urchins. Encounters with Round-mouth Bean Urchin during dives can be intriguing, as they often inhabit crevices and rocky areas. Divers should approach quietly to observe their natural behavior without startling them. The conservation status of this species has not been evaluated, indicating a need for further research to understand its population dynamics and ecological role.