David Nichols Echinus esculentus and hermit crabs on grazed rock. Image width ca. Common on most coasts of the British Isles but absent from most of east coast of England, the eastern English Channel and some parts of north Wales. The test may be relatively flat in shallow water but taller in deep water. Test pinkish-red but occassionally yellow, green or purple.
Spines closely cover the test and are reddish, usually with violet points and white bosses.
Primary and secondary spines and their bosses are similar in size, except in small specimens in which the primaries are conspicuous. Ambulacral plates bear 3 pairs of pores. Plates covering the mouth membrane bear small, club shaped spines as well as pedicellariae. Globeriferous pedicellariae bear 1 lateral tooth below the terminal tooth. The polychaete Flabelligera affinis may be found amongst its spines.