Description:
The brown rock urchin, Arbacia punctulata, also known as the purple-spined sea urchin, has a test diameter of 2 inches, with total diameter reaching 4 inches.  This species has long, sharp spines, generally the same color as the test.  Body color ranges from reddish-gray to red, purple, brown and black.  Tube feet are inconspicuous, and are generally an olive color. 

Habitat:
Brown rock urchins inhabit many nearshore areas including coral reefs, seagrass beds, hardbottoms, sand and shell areas.  They are typically found from the intertidal zone to depths of 750 feet, but are most common above 160 feet. 

Range:
Brown rock urchins range from Cape Cod, Massachusetts south to Cuba, including Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, Panama, Barbados, and French Guiana.