Size

Test diameter: reaching 5cm (2")

Recognition Characters

Stout, long, pointed spines with sharp tips surround test. Spines are longitudinally grooved.

Color

Varies in color. Purplish brown, pale purple to pale red or almost black.

Habitat & Depth

Rocky outcroppings and hard bottoms with mixed sand and rubble. Shallow water to 200m.

Distribution at GRNMS

Common.

Geographic Range

Massachusetts to South Florida, and Cuba

Behavior & Notes

Synonyms

References

Humann 1992a, Meinkoth 1981, Kaplan 1988, Ruppert and Fox 1988