Depth
Echinus · Echinoderms (Starfish, Urchins & Brittle Stars)

Melon Sea Urchin

Echinus melo

0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-40m
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Reef & Open
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Echinodermata
Genus Echinus
Species melo

Echinoderm

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationA large, rounded sea urchin with a pale cream to yellowish test and short, dense spines that give it a melon-like appearance. The spines are tipped with white or lilac. Much larger and paler than most other Mediterranean urchins.
  • SizeTest diameter up to 15 cm. One of the largest regular sea urchins in the Mediterranean.
  • Social HabitSolitary. Slow-moving, found on open rocky and sandy substrates. Often partially covered with shell fragments and debris held in place by its tube feet.
  • HabitatRocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and mixed substrates. Found on both exposed and sheltered surfaces.
  • Depth10 to 100 m. Most common between 20 and 60 m.
  • Feeds OnAlgae, bryozoans, sponges, and organic encrusting material on rock surfaces.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic and throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Present in Maltese waters, mainly on deeper reefs.
  • DescriptionEchinus melo is the gentle giant of Mediterranean sea urchins. Its large size, pale colouring, and melon-like shape make it unmistakable. Unlike the black and purple urchins that dominate shallow rocky reefs, this species prefers deeper water. It is less commonly encountered by divers but is a memorable sight when found.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean, inhabiting reef & open environments. Active from the surface down to 40m depth.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Reef & Open habitats, typically at depths of 0-40m. Most commonly encountered by divers at the shallower end of its range.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Melon Sea Urchin species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Behaviour & Defence

Releases ink as a confusion cloud when threatened, providing precious seconds to escape predators.

Defensive

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

The following dive sites offer strong habitat match for Echinus melo. All are accessible on a guided dive with diveshack.

5-30m
North Malta

Cirkewwa

Rocky reef with caves, arches and ledges hosting a rich diversity of reef species.

View dive site ›
5-50m
Gozo

Blue Hole

One of the Med's most famous reef dive sites. Rocky walls and archways covered in life.

View dive site ›
18-36m
South Malta

Um El Faroud

The wreck lies on a sandy bottom surrounded by rocky reef -- a diverse habitat attracting reef species.

View dive site ›
IUCN Red List Least Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes to prey availability.

Source: iNaturalist Guide #888
by Lesley Clements (CC BY-SA)
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide