Black sea urchins on a rocky seabed
Select your license:

Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more
What species are the black long-spined sea urchins found in the Indian Ocean?
The black sea urchins with notably long, needle-like spines are most likely Diadema setosum, the long-spined black sea urchin. This species is widespread across the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, commonly found in shallow rocky and coral reef habitats. Its spines are venomous and can cause painful puncture wounds if touched.
How can this photo be used?
This stock photo is well suited for marine biology publishers, diving and snorkeling magazines, and environmental organizations highlighting reef ecosystems. The commercial license available through Kataloop also covers use in travel marketing for destinations like Mauritius, educational materials on marine invertebrates, or digital nature features covering Indian Ocean wildlife.
What mood does this photo convey?
The image conveys a documentary, matter-of-fact atmosphere. The cluster of dark sea urchins against pale rock creates a strong visual contrast that structures the scene clearly. Filtered underwater light and the calm top-down composition feel unposed and authentic, giving the impression of an undisturbed natural habitat observed without interference.
What equipment was used to capture this photo?
This underwater shot of a sea urchin colony was captured with the Sony DSC-RX100M7, a compact camera featuring a versatile 24-200mm zoom lens with an aperture of F2.8-4.5. The wide-angle end was well-suited to capturing the full spread of urchins across the rocky seabed in shallow water. At 5472 x 3648 pixels, the image offers ample resolution for cropping and large-format print.
What visual style or trend does this photo represent?
Images of marine ecosystems like this one are gaining relevance amid growing public and scientific attention to ocean conservation and biodiversity loss. Campaigns addressing coral reef degradation, overfishing, and the protection of benthic communities increasingly rely on authentic underwater documentation. This photo fits the factual, observational visual style favored in science communication and NGO campaigns.

