The National Museum of the Philippines has reminded the public to exercise caution when visiting beaches, citing the presence of the flower urchin (Toxopneustes pileolus), a highly venomous sea urchin found in shallow waters.
According to the museum, the flower urchin was recognized by Guinness World Records in 2014 as the “most dangerous sea urchin.”
Its toxin can cause muscle paralysis, numbness, and breathing difficulties, which may lead to accidental drowning among divers.
The species inhabits coral reefs and rocky areas, feeding on algae to prevent overgrowth and maintain the health of the coral community. Flower urchins are abundant and widely distributed in Philippine waters, increasing the likelihood of encounters for beachgoers.
The National Museum advised the public: do not pick the flowers. Observing marine life responsibly helps ensure personal safety and protects the country’s marine biodiversity.
