Rich Mooi

Rich Mooi, curator of echinoderms at the California Academy of Sciences, shares his passion for sea urchins and sand dollars, calling them the 'hedgehogs of the sea.' He dives into their unique adaptations, remarkable sensory capabilities, and ecological roles. The conversation unpacks the culinary delight of uni, and even touches on quirky behaviors like sea urchins wearing 3D-printed hats! Rich's infectious enthusiasm for these spiky creatures offers both humor and profound insights into the marine ecosystem's intricacies.