Mediterranean Feather Star (Antedon Mediterranea)
The Mediterranean Feather Star, Antedon mediterranea, adds a splash of color and intrigue for divers exploring Gozo’s diverse underwater landscapes
Ophioderma longicauda (Smooth Brittle Star)
Ophioderma longicauda, the Smooth Brittle Star (a.k.a. Snake Brittle Star or Brown Brittle Star), is a type of Brittle Star. These are echinoderms in the class Ophiuroidea closely related to starfish. Brittle Stars or ophiuroids crawl across the sea floor using their flexible arms for locomotion. The ophiuroids generally have five long, slender, whip-like arms […]
Sphaerechinus granularis (Violet Sea Urchin)
Sphaerechinus granularis, the Violet Sea Urchin (a.k.a. Purple Sea Urchin), is a species of sea urchin in the order Camarodonta. Its range includes the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic Ocean. The fossil record shows that camarodonts have been in existence since the Lower Cretaceous. The genus Sphaerechinus belongs to the family Toxopneustidae, order Temnopleuroida, Superorder […]
Astropecten aranciacus (Red Comb Starfish)
Astropecten aranciacus, the Red Comb Starfish, is a type of sea star and is native to the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The genus Astropecten belongs to the family Astropectinidae, order Paxillosida, class Asteroidea, subphylum Eleutherozoa, phylum Echinodermata and kingdom Animalia. Astropecten aranciacus lives very near the coast, and at low tide it […]
Purple Sea Urchin (Paracentrotus lividus)
Share Purple Sea Urchins in Gozo Purple Sea Urchins, scientifically known as Paracentrotus lividus, are a fascinating marine species commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Particularly abundant in the western Mediterranean, these sea urchins thrive in waters with winter temperatures ranging between 10 and 15°C. Gozo, with its rich marine […]
Hatpin Urchin (Centrostephanus longispinus)
Share Hatpin Urchins in Gozo The Hatpin Urchin, scientifically known as Centrostephanus longispinus, is a fascinating species of sea urchin that can be found primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for their striking appearance and long, toxic spines, these urchins are a unique sight in the waters around Gozo. They are […]
Echinaster sepositus (Mediterranean Red Sea Star)
The Mediterranean Red Sea Star is one of the most vibrant marine creatures divers can encounter in the Mediterranean Sea. Found at depths of 1 to 250 meters, this stunning starfish thrives in a variety of habitats, including rocky seabeds, sandy patches, and seagrass meadows like Posidonia oceanica. Recognizable by its vivid red or […]
Eucidaris tribuloides (Slate Pencil Urchin)
Eucidaris tribuloides is a cidaroid sea urchin in the genus Eucidaris, family Cidaridae, order Cidaroida, subclass Cidaroidea, class Echinoidea, phylum Echinodermata and kingdom Animalia. The Slate Pencil Urchin inhabits littoral regions of the Atlantic Ocean. It has also become an invasive species in some parts of the world including Malta where it has been since […]
