[1] The generic name Toxopneustes literally means "poison breath", derived from Greek τοξικόν [φάρμακον] (toksikón [phármakon], "arrow [poison]") and πνευστος (pneustos, "breath").

[2] More commonly, it is simply called a "flower urchin", though that name strictly applies only to the related Indo-West Pacific species, Toxopneustes pileolus.

[3][4] Like other members of the genus, its most conspicuous feature are its numerous pedicellariae (stalked grasping appendages) which gives it the appearance of being a cluster of flowers.

[1][6][7] They are common in coral reefs, rhodolith beds, and rocky environments,[6] at depths of 2 to 50 m (7 to 164 ft).

[9][10] A 1998 study has postulated that the debris collected by the sea urchins may serve as ballast, preventing them from being swept away by wave surges when feeding[6] Like other members of the genus, Toxopneustes roseus is venomous.