Lytechinus variegatus

Lytechinus variegatus is a species of sea urchin, which belongs to the phylum Echinodermata. Echinoderms are marine invertebrates known for their spiny skin or covering. Sea urchins, specifically, are characterized by a globular body enclosed in a thin, brittle test (internal skeleton) covered with movable spines. They typically have five bands of pores running from their mouth to their anus, accommodating tube feet used for movement.123

Sea urchins live on the ocean floor and use their tube feet or spines to navigate. Their mouth contains a complex dental apparatus called Aristotle's lantern, used to scrape algae and other food from surfaces. Some species can even excavate hiding places in rock or coral. Lytechinus variegatus is a pale-greenish urchin found along the southeastern coast of the United States and in the Caribbean.2