A rare colorful show: breeding sea urchins on the coast of Haifa

(Haipo) – Last week, an unusual phenomenon was observed in Haifa waters: large groups of colorful sea urchins are found during the breeding season in the Bat Galim area. These are creatures from the mollusk family that carry gills on their backs that they use for breathing, and they display spectacular colors of white, yellow dots, and a purple stripe.

Marine outcrops in unusual quantities on the breakwater rocks

Field reports and dives conducted in recent days have revealed an unusual phenomenon in the Haifa Sea. On the breakwater rocks in the Bat Galim area, groups of sea urchins were observed in impressive numbers during the breeding season. The sea urchin is a creature from the mollusk family, easily identified by the prominent gills on its back – those colorful “twigs” through which it breathes. These creatures have been known and identified for years, but what is unique this year is the scale of the breeding season and the large gatherings of the species, a phenomenon that is not common at all times.

A breeding season that symbolizes renewal in Haifa's marine nature

June brings with it the breeding season for many species of animals in Haifa’s sea, and the sea urchins are a prominent example of this. The creatures’ spectacular colors – white with yellow spots and a purple stripe – make them a particularly impressive visual spectacle, and constitute a rare opportunity for photographers and nature lovers. The breeding of the sea urchins symbolizes the renewal of many species of animals on Haifa’s seashore, and according to reports, this year is blessed with an optimistic outlook for marine nature. Additional photographic reports on the breeding of additional species in the city’s waters are expected in the future.