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The dark-colored spiny urchins, native from the South Atlantic Ocean appeared on near- shore reefs from Fort Pierce to Bathtub Reef Beach.
Hundreds of them were moving slowly across the reefs eating algae. By moving in masses along the reef, they make the area less attractive for crabs and fish that also eat algae.
Scientists are wondering why they are so abundant and how this growing population can affect the algae left for other populations.
An increase in nutrients, increasing algae blooms that feed the urchins could be a reason. Another would be the high fishing in this area that removes predators of the urchins.
The Sabellariid warm reef is damaged by the sharp teeth of the urchins.
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