Jewel Urchin
| Name: | Jewel Urchin |
| Scientific Name: | Lytechinus williamsi |
| Family: | Sea Urchins |
| Taxonomic: | Toxopneustidae |
| ID Group: | Sea Stars, Urchins, Cucumbers |
| Size: | up to 2 in. |
| Depth Range: | In shallow waters (0 – 15 ft.) |
| Sightings: | Seen often |
This Urchin has a light-colored body with reddish lines running between its sections. Its spines are usually green or white, and small, dark, round balls scattered among them make it look like a sparkling gem.
The Jewel Urchin is often found in shallow areas and hides in crevices. It emerges at night and uses its short spines to move around, grazing on algae with its scraping mouth.