Parechinus angulosus is a species of sea urchin in the family Parechinidae, commonly known as the Cape urchin. It is a marine echinoderm native to the temperate coastal waters of southern Africa, particularly along the western and southern coasts of South Africa, where it inhabits rocky reefs and kelp forest ecosystems in shallow subtidal zones. The genus name Parechinus derives from the Greek para- meaning “beside” or “related to,” and echinos meaning “hedgehog” or “sea urchin,” indicating distinct classification to other sea urchins, while the species epithet angulosus is Latin for “angled” or “having corners,” referring to the somewhat angular profile of its test.

Historically, Parechinus angulosus has not been as widely commercialized as some northern Pacific sea urchin species, but it has been harvested locally for its gonads, which are edible and comparable to uni in other culinary traditions. In contemporary South African coastal cuisine, it is occasionally consumed fresh, particularly in small-scale or artisanal seafood contexts, and has potential for expanded aquaculture due to its ecological abundance. It is associated primarily with South African coastal foodways, particularly among communities with access to kelp forest marine resources.

Nutritionally, the species contains omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties; echinochrome A, a polyhydroxylated naphthoquinone pigment with antioxidant activity; ovothiol, a sulfur-containing antioxidant found in marine invertebrate eggs and gonads; and carotenoids such as β-carotene and astaxanthin, which contribute antioxidant activity and pigmentation.