Description
A reddish-brown coloured heart urchin that is longer (7 cm) than wide. The 'test' (calcareous skeletal plates, joined together to form a complete shell) is covered in mobile spines, which are coarser and sparser in comparison with Echinocardium species. Particularly characteristic of Brissopsis lyrifera is a narrow band of ciliated dark spines which rings all five ambulacra petals on the upper surface. It is the only heart urchin likely to be found in muddy sediments.
In the latest article
Appears under "Comprehensive Description"
Source information
©1998-2011, The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
© The Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
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Supplier:
Marine Life Information Network
Author: Georgina Budd
Editor: Dr Harvey Tyler-Walters
Georgina Budd 2004. Brissopsis lyrifera. A heart urchin. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 26/01/2011]. Available from:
