National Museum warns public vs toxic flower urchins on beaches

As the summer break approaches, the National Museum of the Philippines on Tuesday cautioned Filipinos not to pick up the flower urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus) found on the country’s beaches since its deadly toxins can cause paralysis.

In a social media post, the National Museum said the toxin of the flower urchin can cause muscle paralysis, numbness, and difficulty in breathing that may lead to drowning.

Flower urchins release deadly toxins through their small, hook-like appendages, which serve as their mouths, with five defined teeth used to scrape algae from rocks and corals.

In 2014, the flower urchin was as dubbed the “most dangerous sea urchin” by the Guinness World Records.

It can be found in shallow waters and inhabit coral reefs and rocks. It scrapes off algae to prevent overgrowth of the coral community.

“They are abundant and widely distributed in Philippine waters, so next time you go to the beach, be vigilant,” the National Museum said.

“Staying informed and practicing responsible coastal behavior helps ensure both personal safety and the protection of marine biodiversity,” it added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News