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Ecology Summary - Diadema antillarum
SeaLifeBase
Ecology of Diadema antillarum
 
Main Ref. Collin, R., M.C. Díaz, J. Norenburg, R.M. Rocha, J.A. Sánchez, M. Schulze, A. Schwartz and A. Valdés, 2005
Remarks This is an epibenthic, subtidal species found in coral reefs and rocky bottoms (Ref. 83942). On coral reefs to a depth of 50 m, but common in shallow water (Ref. 415, 86574); and on Thalassiabeds (Ref. 86574). Nocturnal grazers (Ref. 415).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Diadema antillarum may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Benthic: megabenthos; Soft Bottom: sand; Hard Bottom: rocky;
Substrate Ref. Alvarado, J.J. and J. Cortés, 2009
Special habitats Beds: sea grass; Coral Reefs;
Special habitats Ref. Kier, P.M., 1975

Associations

Ref. Randall, J.E., R.E. Schroeder and W.A. Starck, 1964
Associations commensalism;
Associated with mysid shrimp such as Mysidium gracile, two palaemonid shrimps (Stegopontia sp. and Periclimenes sp.) and young West Indian reef fishes such as grunts (Haemulon spp.), drums (Equetus spp.), wrasses (Labridae) butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae), and adult cardinalfishes (Apogon spp.).
Association remarks mysid shrimps often in groups hovering and seeking the interspaces between the spines of Diadema antillarum. The same for the reef fishes, most likely seeking protection from the sea urchin. Two palaemonid shrimps were found inhabiting the test and spines.
Parasitism

feeding

Feeding type mainly plants/detritus (troph. 2-2.19)
Feeding type Ref. Collin, R., M.C. Díaz, J. Norenburg, R.M. Rocha, J.A. Sánchez, M. Schulze, A. Schwartz and A. Valdés, 2005
Feeding habit browsing on substrate
Feeding habit Ref. Collin, R., M.C. Díaz, J. Norenburg, R.M. Rocha, J.A. Sánchez, M. Schulze, A. Schwartz and A. Valdés, 2005

Trophic Level(s)

Estimation method original sample unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition
From individual food items 2.00 0.00 Trophic level and s.e. inferred from exclusive plant/detritus food items.
Ref.
(e.g. 9948)
(e.g. cnidaria)
Comments & Corrections
 
 
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