On the underside of the sea urchin is a centrally located jaw. It is surrounded by wedges or teeth. Sea urchins eat using these five sharp wedges that come together like a beak and that are moved by muscles. This beak-like device allows the urchin to scrape algae off the hard reef coral and rocks.
The urchin uses its special jaw, often referred to as Aristotle's lantern, to scrape algae as well as other food off the hard reef coral and rocks. Its then swept into the mouth by its tube feet. Similar to the starfish, its mouth is on the bottom and anus on top of the creature. Once inside the mouth, it is passed to the esophagus.
After being passed through the esophagus, food is sent to the long, winding intestines where it is digested. Waste is then sent out the aboral (top) side through the anus.
The urchin uses its special jaw, often referred to as Aristotle's lantern, to scrape algae as well as other food off the hard reef coral and rocks. Its then swept into the mouth by its tube feet. Similar to the starfish, its mouth is on the bottom and anus on top of the creature. Once inside the mouth, it is passed to the esophagus.
After being passed through the esophagus, food is sent to the long, winding intestines where it is digested. Waste is then sent out the aboral (top) side through the anus.