Western Longspined Sea Urchin

This sea urchin can be found at any depth, to over 100 metres, but is not commonly found in water shallower than five or so metres. Its slender and long primary spines are usually a blue-grey to lavender, while its secondary spines and tube feet are dark, with a reddish hue. While it is similar at first glance, the blueish colouration and the much longer spines can help distinguish it from the more common Heliocidaris erythrogramma. Its range is not known to overlap with Centrostephanus rodgersii, which has yet to be found in SA. However, it is also similar in appearance to that species.