Salmacis bicolor

(Agassiz, 1846)

Vernacular names
English : Two-tone salmacis urchin
French : Oursin bicolore

Classification
Class : Echinoidea
Order : Camarodonta
Family : Temnopleuridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Test diameter can reach 7 cm, very rarely more. The test is symmetrical and protected by thin and short spines. Test color light beige, visible between spines. Spines have a red base and the top half is striped yellow and pink.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from Red Sea and East Africa to south Japan, north Australia, Philippines and Indonesia. Lives in tropical seas, mostly in coral reef areas, down to 122 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ status isn’t assessed at this time. The species has a large range and is only occasionally collected for the trade. No imminent threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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