difficult, as well as the absence of iridophores. The spines are also sharper and more solid, and cannot be crushed between two fingers. This could be a subspecies or even a separate species, especially as their ecological niche seems slightly différente. Distribution and habitat The Banded sea urchin is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, from eastern coast of Africa to French Polynesia, including Hawaii and the Red Sea. It occurs from the surface to depth and can be found in lagoons, external reef slopes and channels. Behavior This sea urchin is active at night, hiding in crevices or under rocks during the day. The thinner spines are venomous (but not dangerous). Miscellaneous notes Many juvenile fish of the family Apogonidae (cardinal fish) may hide in the spines for protection. In Hawaii, E. calamaris is often host to a symbiotic crab, Echinoecus pentagonus. References External links http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=213377 Fauna of Western Australia Animals described in 1774 Diadematidae Taxa named by Peter Simon Pallas Fauna of the Red Sea Echinoids of Hawaii