Common Sea-urchin
Echinus esculentus
Diameter up to 10cm

Common in deeper waters around the coasts of Britain and Ireland but also found in rock pools and among seaweeds at low tide; commonest off W and N coasts. Living animal is red and purplish brown; covered by spines and tube-feet. Dead animal loses spines to reveal rounded test which is reddish brown with radiating paler lines. A favourite food of otters where their range is coastal in N and W.