photo via: echinoblog.blogspot.com
photo via: earthsfeaturedcreatures.blogspot.com
photo via: saltaquarium.about.com
Habitat: Hawaii
These courageous guys are called Helmet Urchins, or Shingle Urchins and in Hawaiian are called kaupali which translates to “cliff hanging.” These urchins are found in the harsh intertidal zone of the volcanic shores of Hawaii.
I love the “armor” on these things. The shingle-like sales encompassing its body and the flattened spines circling the edge of its body give it a warrioresque appearance.
It also reminds me of something prehistoric almost. What do you think?
