Violet Sea Urchin

Sphaerechinus granularis

The violet sea urchin (Sphaerechinus granularis) is one of the most visually striking sea urchins in the Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic. Adults reach 10-13 cm in diameter and display a gorgeous purple to violet test covered with short, stout spines that are typically purple with distinctive white tips, though all-white and brownish variations exist. They inhabit rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, and sandy bottoms at depths of 1-100 meters, most commonly between 5-30 meters. They are omnivorous grazers feeding on algae, bryozoans, sponges, and organic detritus. They frequently carry small pieces of shell, seagrass, or debris on their upper surface using their tube feet, likely for UV protection and camouflage. Their large size, beautiful coloration, and common occurrence make them one of the most recognizable invertebrates on Mediterranean dives. They often occur in aggregations on seagrass meadow edges, creating colorful underwater landscapes.