Long-spined sea urchins were once extremely abundant in the Florida Keys.
However, back in the 1980s, a disease of unknown origin nearly wiped them out and we have seen a decline in their species of about 97%.
In December 2021, the Florida Aquarium released nearly 200 of them near the Florida Keys. This is the largest known effort and release of hatchery reared long-spined sea urchins in the last twenty years. We are hopeful that their efforts will prove to be successful so that we can enjoy more of these lovely, important creatures on our reefs!
Here are are some fun facts about our prickly friends:
… they are nocturnal creatures
… they have no bones in their body
… they have a “shield” of venomous spines
… their jaw has 5 powerful teeth which is referred to as “Aristotle’s lantern” (Aristotle discovered the mouth is continuous from end to end and looks like a lantern)
… they feed mainly on algae on the coral and rocks which is a vital service to keep our reefs healthy. Without them, algae overgrowth literally smothers the coral to death
… in the popular video game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, they can be found all day up north in July but only by scuba diving!
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is asking people to report when and where you see long-spined sea urchins with, and without, signs of disease.
Their reporting tool is located at SEAFAN.net or you can call the hotline 866-770-7335. Pictures are always helpful as well! The photo below shows the difference between a healthy and sick urchin.
Sea urchins should be equally fun and easy to see snorkeling and scuba diving… or even from the boat on a calm day. Let’s keep a sharp lookout for them on your next Lucky Fish Scuba private charter in Key Largo!
Click here to contact us now
and start planning your private charter!
– Theresa N.Oh my gosh! What a perfect day for a very very special occasion…a surprise, underwater proposal. They showed us a beautiful, private dive spot and made sure that the proposal went off without a hitch. The videos are perfect. Jill, Glen, and Stephanie, thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
– Em S.What an awesome time!!!! Every year for my birthday, I look for different things to do with my friends. This year, it was a sunset cruise, which far surpasses a dinner at yet another restaurant. … A plus is their actual head (toilet) aboard. Their cat is a perfect size for 6 passengers. It is well appointed, spotless and very stable. Highest praise for Jill, Glenn and Suzy!
– VijaiOMG. To be honest I booked this charter because the boat had a full functional bathroom. Luckily, I never needed it. … The boat was beautiful and immaculate. The little detail that was actually quite useful and made us all very comfortable was the fresh water shower after each dive. We got back to the dock feeling refreshed and not sticky and gross. Jill was responsive in following up with my initial inquiry and follow up confirmations etc. the dive sites were quite impressive. Overall an amazing experience and won’t be our last.
– Lance HLucky Fish Scuba is a top notch diving operation, very professional, and so much fun! Glenn & Jill made had everything prepared and ready when we arrived. Once we arrived at the dive spot, they were very helpful explaining where we would go, what we would see, and then proceeded to guide us through the dive. Since this was our first time diving in Key Largo, having a dive master guide us was very comforting. In between dives, they provided drinks and snacks. The boat is perfect for small groups and very comfy and it has a head if needed. In addition, Jill provided us with a short video of our dive a few days later. We loved it! This biz is a gem amongst all other dive operations in the Keys. You will not be disappointed booking here. We can’t wait to go back!
– Jose B.Lucky Fish Scuba is where you need to go in Key Largo! Both Glenn and Jill are extremely professional, courteous, and fun. They will keep you laughing throughout the trip while always being very attentive to your needs. The boat is super comfortable and they are able to make a customized plan according to what you want.
– Heather PHIGHLY recommend. 5 stars isn’t enough Took my 11 year old daughter diving. Jill and Glen are amazing- a hidden gem. They are extremely personable, the boat is phenomenal, and the level of customer service is top notch. Worth every penny. They will be my go to scuba diving resource from now on. And they are super kid friendly Thanks Jill and Glen we had an amazing time.
– David TWorth every penny. Great tour and super friendly and knew all the right dive spots. Look no further. Also took amazing photos for us.
– Linda KInclement weather in Marathon Key did us a great favor. Our trip with Lucky Fish Scuba in Key Largo surpassed anything we could have imagined…