PHOTOS: Tiny Tropical Island Yields a Wealth of Species

PHOTOS: Tiny Tropical Island Yields a Wealth of Species
<< Previous   5 of 11   Next >>
The thick, solid spines of a pencil sea urchin jut out like the writing instruments that lend this creature its name.

These nocturnal animals hide in coral reef cavities during the day and crawl out after dark to forage for food.

Found in the Pacific and Indian oceans, pencil urchins are popular in the aquarium trade because they fare well in captivity. Their sturdy spines are sometimes used for making mounts for jewelry.
—Photograph by David Lane, University of Brunei
 

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Photos and News of the Week

Get the top photos and news of the week from National Geographic News, plus occasional breaking-news alerts.

See Sample >>
Please enter a valid email address
Privacy Policy
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS




 

Vote for Your Favorite Green Idea!

Who do you want to see receive $20,000 to put their Earth-saving idea into action? Check out the ten Green Effect finalists, and until July 20 you can vote—up to once a day—for your favorite idea!