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Pencil Urchin

Common Name: Pencil Urchin

Scientific Name: Eucidaris tribuloides

Order: Echinodermata

Range: South Carolina to Florida, Mexico to Brazil

Diet: Scavenger: feeds on clams, worms and other invertebrates on the shore floor and bottom dwelling algae

Facts: 1. Uses its spines to wedge itself in between rocks for protection 2. help keep reefs healthy by eating algae that would otherwise take over the reefs 3. has five different growth stages (goes through a metamorphosis)

Can Visitors Interact? Yes, this animal is always available to be touched.

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