Eucidaris galapagensis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Eucidaris galapagensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Cidaroid urchin in Galapagos | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Echinoidea |
| Order: | Cidaroida |
| Family: | Cidaridae |
| Genus: | Eucidaris |
| Species: | E. galapagensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Eucidaris galapagensis Döderlein, 1887 | |
Eucidaris galapagensis, commonly referred to as the slate pencil sea urchin, is a species of echinoderms in the family of Cidaroid.[1] This sea urchin lives in coastal areas in the Galapagos, Clipperton, and Cocos. The preferred substrate of these organisms is rocky, benthic environments that provide refuge.[2] In fact, greater abundance of Slate Pencil Sea Urchins is correlated with correct substrate, as well as greater food availability.[3] Their diet is primarily herbivorous, however, they also consume various invertebrates. They graze heavily on live corals and algae in open, shallow reef habitats.[4] Their grazing schedule is not restricted to sunlight availability, and will graze nocturnally.[4] Their diversity in diet is a result of their metabolism, as they are capable of remarkably efficient assimilation of nutrients.[2] Pencil Slate Sea Urchin's crawl omnidirectionally in their environment.[5] Additionally, they are able to sense surrounding light by photoreceptor cells that act as their visual system.[6]
Echinoderms are critical components of marine communities, and Eucidaris Galapagensis is no different.[3] The spines of the urchins provide habitat to diverse epifauna and act as a reservoir for diversity.[7] The abundance of Eucidaris galapagensis is important, as they provide substrate and refuge from predators.[7] Additionally, they exhibit a top-down control in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, and their presence may alter the sessile community composition.[8] A significant amount, 90%, of the spines of the urchins are encrusted with diverse epifauna, and one urchin can host over 20 species.[2] An interesting aspect of this reservoir is the potential of dispersal. Urchins are mobile organisms, they have the potential to redistribute the redistributed epifauna. However, when these urchins reach a great abundance, they are capable of causing a trophic cascade.