Negative Growth and Longevity in the Purple Sea Urchin <i>Strongylocentrotus purpuratus</i> (Stimpson)

Abstract

Purple sea urchins were tagged, measured, and placed in a tidepool at Sunset Bay, Oregon. After 1 year, many animals had decreased in size. Accordingly, size is not necessarily a reliable index of age in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus; however, it is possible to conclude that these animals are relatively long-lived.