User talk:Hannahaycock/sandbox

The Pencil Sea Urchin, Eucidaris galapagensis, is a foundation species in the subtidal and vertical wall habitats in the Galápagos Archipelago

Eucidaris galapagensis is an omnivorous species that grazes heavily on live corals and algae in open shallow reef habitats (Glynn et al., 1979).

Additionally, the spines of the urchins provide habitat to diverse epifauna and act as a reservoir for diversity. (

The abundance of Eucidaris galapagensis is important as they provide substrate and refuge from predators.

Dee, E. L., Witman, J.D., & Brandt, M. 2012. Refugia and top-down control of the pencil urchin Eucidaris galapagensis in the Galapagos Marine Researve. Journl of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 416-417: 135-143.