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Echinoderms of Zihuatanejo

PHYLUM ECHINODERMATA

Pin Cushion Sea Urchin

Astropyga pulvinata

The Pin Cushion Sea Urchin (Astropyga pulvinata) is a large, visually striking sea urchin found in tropical and subtropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean. It has a rounded, slightly flattened body with a diameter of up to 20 cm (8 inches). Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on detritus and algae, playing a key role in maintaining reef health.

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