The flower urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus ) is recognized as the most beautiful large sea urchin residing in the sea-beds
around Taiwan. Measuring up to 15cm in diameter, it is fully covered with small venomous flower-shaped pedicellariae that
function as weapons against predators while providing shade from the sun. One is likely to find such a dazzling creature
buried under rubbles due to its need to withstand strong waves.

Flower urchins reproduce collectively between March and May. Having gathered to shake off rubbles and retrieve
pincers, they break into a wild dance that involves romping appendages and stings. The worked-up congregation then
erupts spermatozoa and eggs en mass through genital pores, while continuing with their frantic wiggling, which facilitates
the process of dispersion and fertilization.

Shyh-min Chao

Born in Taoyuan, Taiwan, holds a Ph.D. in biology from Tung-hai University. Chao specializes in the ecology of marine invertebrates, and has been long
conducting underwater investigations along the coast of Kenting National Park. Chao is currently a research fellow in the Zoology Department of the National
Museum of Natural Science in Taichung.