Pacific coastline from Alaska to Mexico
Size: 104 millimeters
The mysterious and unique species of Purple Sea Urchin are composed of a round, radially symmetrical shell that is covered in large spines. These spines are bright purple in adults and pale green tinged with purple in younger urchins.
The urchin spine continually renews throughout its life, and uniquely, the mouth and jaw are located on the underside of the urchin’s body.
Urchins share an integral role in the ecosystem with sea otters. With a strong sea otter population, the urchin population is kept in check, allowing kelp forests to grow. This balance matters because kelp forests are ecologically important to other species in the habitat.
Float over to our Treasures of BC Coast gallery and try to find them!
Types
Invertebrates
Visit the new Marine Mammal Rescue exhibit at the B.C. Wild Coast for a sneak peek into our Marine Mammal Rescue Centre ─ the only facility of its kind in Canada and one of the largest rescue facilities in the world. Meet our rescued residents, who now find sanctuary at the Vancouver Aquarium after being deemed non-releasable by Fisheries and Oceans Canada!
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