This pyramid-shaped urchin (genus Echinocrepis) was one of several of these animals seen during the third dive of the 2023 Shakedown + EXPRESS West Coast Exploration expedition. This one was spotted at a depth of 3,952 meters (2.46 miles). While not new to science, these urchins are rarely seen, as they are very delicate and live in very deep waters.
Pyramid-shaped Urchin
Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2023 Shakedown + EXPRESS West Coast Exploration. Download larger version (jpg, 1.09 MB).

This pyramid-shaped urchin (genus Echinocrepis) was one of several of these animals seen during the third dive of the 2023 Shakedown + EXPRESS West Coast Exploration expedition. This one was spotted at a depth of 3,952 meters (2.46 miles). While not new to science, these urchins are rarely seen, as they are very delicate and live in very deep waters.