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Edible sea shell? Sea urchins are found on Cornish shores but they are not often seen. The largest numbers of edible sea shell tend to be in the sublitoral zone hence not uncovered by the tides. Sea urchins in the intertidal zone are usually well hidden; by camouflaging themselves by attaching seaweed to their bodies or by burying themselves in the sand. When they die their shells or tests are washed ashore, however due to their fragility are very quickly destroyed.

Sea urchin edible sea shell are very decorative and unfortunately this has been the undoing of some species such as the edible sea urchin. This species has been collected to such a degree that their numbers have severely declined.



Physiology of edible sea shell

Sea urchins have a shell or test which is comprised of calcite plates. Projecting from the test are spikes. The spines are used as a deterrent as well as an aid for movement. Spines if worn or lost are regenerated. When an empty test is found there will be no spikes, these falling off soon after death. Where the spines were, can be seen small nodules at edible sea shell.