scubaseason

Purple Sea Urchin

Paracentrotus lividus

Sighting evidence at Lough Hyne, Ireland

Lough Hyne hosts one of the northernmost healthy populations of this Mediterranean-Atlantic urchin, benefiting from the lake's slightly elevated water temperatures. Dense grazing bands carve characteristic urchin barrens into the kelp edge, creating a mosaic of habitats. Spawning events in spring turn the water briefly milky with gametes.

Evidence at this site

No confirmed records on file at this site

Purple Sea Urchin is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites