The Long-Spined Sea Urchin: Diadema antillarum (Philippi, 1845), also known as the Black Sea Urchin, is a species of sea urchin in the family Diadematidae. It is easily recognized by its exceptionally long, slender black spines, which provide protection from predators and distinguish it from many other sea urchin species.
This species is widely distributed throughout the tropical western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the northern coasts of South America. It inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocky coastal habitats, typically at depths of 1–10 meters.
Diadema antillarum is primarily herbivorous, feeding mainly on algae and occasionally on seagrass. Grazing on algae, it helps prevent excessive algal growth that can otherwise overwhelm coral reefs. As a result, it is considered one of the most ecologically important herbivores in Caribbean reef ecosystems.
In 1983, a catastrophic disease outbreak caused the loss of more than 97% of the Caribbean population. The resulting decline in grazing pressure allowed algae to proliferate, contributing to the degradation of many coral reefs. Although populations have recovered in some regions, recovery rates vary considerably throughout its range.
Although the roe of Diadema antillarum is edible, the species is rarely harvested for culinary use. Consequently, little information is available regarding its flavor, and it is seldom encountered in seafood markets or sushi restaurants.
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