Jewel urchin
Lytechinus williamsi
Chesher 1968
Description:
The body of this species is round in outline. Densely covered with short spines. The spines part somewhat to form apparent grooves along the major plates. A red line is visible where the plates meet. The color of the animal is usually light to white, but may be variable. The spines are colored uniformly, but range in color from green to white. Between the spines, the purple podia are large and prominent.
Size: Body up to 5 cm, spines up to 3 cm.
Habitat:
Inhabits the reefs. Hides during the day, feeds during the night.
Depth: ranges from 5 m down to 25 m.
Distribution:
Occasional all over the Caribbean.