•+Echinothrix+calamaris

**Scientific Classification**  Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Echinodermata Class: Echinoidea Order: Diadematoida Family: Diadematidae Genus: Echinothrix Species: Calamaris

** Distribution/Habitat ** -Habits prevalent in the Red Sea, South Africa, Hawaii, Mauritius, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Tahiti and the waters of northern Australia -Live in depths of 0 to 90 m

** Physical Description ** -Has two sets of spines: a shorter one which is a darker color,and may deliver a nasty sting in the face of predators, and longer, exposed ones that are banded -Spines act as a means of protection, and may scrape off algae from ocean surfaces -Spines often reach up to 9 inches

** Ecological Roles ** -Moves around during the night, hiding in rock crevices to conceal its body during the day -When it loses its spines, it is a clear sign that the water quality is poor -Smaller fish hide in the spines of the banded Sea Urchin during the day, and then leave at night to find food (symbiotic relationship)

** Sources ** [] [|http://reefguide.org/bandedurchin.html] [|http://mundoarrecife.es/images/ECHINOTHRIX%20CALAMARIS.jp] [|http://www.summagallicana.it/lessico/r/r%20Echinothrix%20calamaris.JPG] [|http://images.travelpod.ca/users/cwelch/1.1290015645.anemone-habitat.jpg]