Sea urchins belong to a big class called Echinoidea. There are around 900 species of sea urchins. Urchins live in every sea, from the Arctic to Antarctic. They are nocturnal feeders that feed mostly on algae and sea vegetation.
During the day time they hide from the predators in different cavities or caves along the sea bottom. Their mouth is surrounded by 5 strong calcium carbonate teeth or plates. Using them, urchins can burrow themselves in the sea bottom and make caves by crunching the sea bottom limestone.These multitasking teeth, called Aristotle's lantern, helps urchins to hold still in place and resist the powerful waves.
Please meet a very interesting type of sea urchin, the Black Diadema. Normally, an urchins spines do not exceed 3-4 cm, but black Diadema spines can reach up to 30 cm. They live in small groups up to depths of 1-10 m near the coral reef. They feed on algae growing on the reef and are directly responsible for the health and well-being of reefs and all of the sea creatures that depend on the reef. They are a food source for trigger fish porcupine fish, eels, sea otters, starfish and others. They play a very important role in the ocean bio system. A decline of this species could be devastating for coral reefs, habitats and ecotourism. It happens for many reasons like pollution, diseases, powerful hurricanes. Without Black Diadema, coral reefs might stop growing and restoring themselves.
Some species of Diadema family carry a toxin on there spines. So if you accidentally step on it the injury can result in a ruined vacation. The main symptom from the poisonous sea urchins spine sting is strong pain. If you were sting by species that isn't poisonous, redness, swelling and moderate pain could be present. A neurotoxin could cause numbness and a allergic reaction. If you feel a headache, difficulty of breathing or faintness, you should go to nearest doctor.
Urchins stings are not deadly. But the spines are really fragile and can easily break off and get stuck under your skin. They are made of calcium carbonate, the same material as the shell of the chicken egg.
First you have to carefully, with help of a magnifying glass, check the damaged area for any broken spines. Not every black dot has pieces of the spine. They are black just because of the dye released by the urchin. Then, using tweezers, very carefully remove them. If after that you still see some pieces stuck inside, use a sterilized needle and try to get them out. Always disinfect the area.
If you still feel that there could be more microscopic particles left inside, you can try to remove them with help of a hot bath with vinegar. Remember we are dealing with calcium carbonate which is easily dissolved with vinegar acid.
Prepare a warm bath, around 45 degrees Celsius or 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and add some vinegar. Warm water also will dissolves any toxins and eases the pain.
There is another species of this big class Echinoidea, called Tripneustes ventricosus. Also known by common it's name, sea egg or White Sea urchin. It is a very common type for the Caribbean Sea. This urchin plays significant role for humans, his sexual organs, gonads, are a favorite delicacy for many Caribbean regions. But in the last years these fisheries have suffered a big decline due to significant over fishing in the past because of the demand in the local market and export, mostly to Japan #seaurchins #seaurchin #marinelife #marinebiology #bonaire #caribbeanislands #traveltheworld #educationalvideo

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