Loxechinus albus is an echinoderm of the family Parechinidae, native to coastal southern South America, ranging from Ecuador, along the entire coasts of Peru and Chile, to Argentina, as well as the Falkland Islands.

[4] Loxechinus albus is a fast-growing, relatively large sea urchin with a test diameter of up to 11 cm (4.3 in), although the far southernmost populations tend to grow slower and reach a smaller size.

[5] Living individuals of this urchin typically appear overall dull reddish with some pale green to the spines, but its color is variable,[4] and some large specimens have been found in deeper waters which are white.

In contrast, L. albus seems to be in balance with its food supply and does not seem to be limited by the quantity of algae available nor does the kelp growth become excessive.

[6] Known locally in Chile as the 'Erizo rojo' (red urchin), it is harvested commercially by fishermen and is an ingredient in Chilean cuisine.