Diadematidae Collection

RF - Long-spined sea urchin (Astropyga radiata). Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Raccoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula), endemic Saddle wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey) and Sea urchin (Diadema sp)
Raccoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula), endemic Saddle wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey) and Sea urchin (Diadema sp.) on reef, Lanai, Hawaii, Pacific Ocean

The Blue-spotted sea urchin (Astropyga radiata) is rarely seen in Hawaii; Hawaii, United States of America

Yellow stripe clingfish (Diademichthys lineatus) living in association with the Fire Urchin (Astropyga radiata) Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Banded Sea Urchin, Hawaii, USA
This is a young banded sea urchin (Echinothrix calamaris), still has its balloon-like anal sac which is usually absent in adults due to a parasitic crab

Rock boring Urchin, Echinometra mathaei, Hawaii, USA
A close look at a Rock boring urchin (Echinometra mathaei) also known as a burrowing urchin, Hawaii. This invertebrate grinds into solid limestone and excavates tubes

A pair of Colemans shrimp live among the venomous spines of a fire urchin
A pair of Colemans shrimp (Periclimenes colemani) live among the venomous spines of a fire urchin in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Black spiny urchins graze on algae on the seafloor in Indonesia
Black spiny urchins (Diadema sp.) graze on algae on a sand and rubble seafloor in Indonesia. Urchins are often found in disturbed areas due to algae being prominent there

Double-spined Urchin (Echinothrix calamaris) adult, Seraya, Bali, Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia, December

Centrostephanus longispina, echinoid
The echinoid (Centrostephanus longispina). A recent echinoid found in the Mediterranean and East Atlantic. Specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London

Red sea urchin (Astropyga radiata). Photographed in Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia

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"Discovering the Enchanting World of Diadematidae: A Fascinating Family of Sea Urchins" Diving into the depths of Lanai, Hawaii's Pacific Ocean, one encounters a mesmerizing sight. The vibrant reef is adorned with an array of marine life, including the magnificent Long-spined sea urchin (Astropyga radiata), its spiky silhouette standing out against the backdrop. Amidst this underwater wonderland, other captivating creatures make their presence known. The graceful Raccoon butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) glides effortlessly through the water, while the endemic Saddle wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey) adds a burst of color to this tropical paradise. One cannot miss spotting another member of the Diadematidae family –the Sea urchin (Diadema sp. )– as it gracefully moves along the reef. However, it is worth noting that in Hawaii, sightings of its elusive cousin, the Blue-spotted sea urchin (Astropyga radiata), are rare and considered a special treat. Venturing further across oceans brings us to North Sulawesi in Indonesia. Here we find an intriguing association between two species –the Yellow stripe clingfish (Diademichthys lineatus) and its unlikely companion, the Fire Urchin (Astropyga radiata). These unique partnerships remind us how interconnected marine ecosystems truly are. Hawaii also boasts other fascinating members within this family such as Banded Sea Urchins and Rock boring Urchins like Echinometra mathaei. Their distinctive characteristics add diversity to these already awe-inspiring surroundings. Intriguingly enough, even venomous spines do not deter certain inhabitants from finding refuge among them. Colemans shrimp have made themselves at home amidst these dangerous yet beautiful fire urchins—a testament to nature's ability to adapt and thrive.