Lytechinus variegatus:

Anus surrounded by numerous plates, the peristome is heavily plated. Pore-pairs in regular arcs of 3. Colour is deep red-violet or purple, occasionally with a greenish tinge. Test diameter is up to 85 mm.

Occurs on relatively sheltered sandy areas and among rocks in sheltered bays to depths of 100m. Locally often abundant. Often inconspicuous owing to habit of covering upper surface of test with pieces of shell, turtle grass and algae.