Sea Urchins

Sea urchins or urchins are small, spiny, globular animals that compose part of class Echinoidea. They are found in oceans all over the world. Their shell, or "test", is round and spiny, typically from 3 to 10 cm across. Common colors include black and dull shades of green, olive, brown, purple, and red. They move slowly, feeding mostly on algae. Sea otters, wolf eels, and other predators feed on urchins. Sea urchins are also harvested by humans and their roe is served as a delicacy.Sea urchins are members of the phylum Echinodermata, which also includes sea stars, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, and crinoids. Like other echinoderms they have fivefold symmetry (called pentamerism) and move by means of hundreds of tiny, transparent, adhesive "tube feet". The pentamerous symmetry is not obvious at a casual glance but is easily seen in the dried shell or test of the urchin.

Assorted Colored Pin Cushion Urchin Lytechinus vaniegatus Description: The Pincushion Urchin is a small Urchin that has sharp protruding spines. They grow to only 2-3 inches. In Nature, these spines serve as their defense mechanism from predators. All Urchins are nocturnal and do most of their grazing at night. During the day they will usually stay stationary on the aquarium glass, or in hiding spots in rockwork. Urchins are excellent algae eatersl and ike rockwork that they can crawl and feed on. A great choice for the aquarium. They will use a series of tube feet on their underside to move about the tank in search of algae and detritus. They will scour the rockwork, glass and sandbed. Their colors range from all white, to white with pink or purple spikes, and sometimes they are all purple or all pink. Urchins are completely reef-safe. ood and diet:The urchin is best kept in an aquarium where it will have ample supplies of algae to eat. Recommended minimum tank size: 1 gallon or larger Level of Care: Easy Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2" Reef Compatibility:Very good $11.99 ea. Quantity :

Black Longspine Urchin Diadema setosum Description: The black longspine urchin is a very interesting addition to any aquarium. It has long, thin black spines that extend from its body, and rows of blue spots in a symetrical design across its body. The anus of the long spine urchin looks like an eye on the top of the body, with a bright orange ring in the center. While the body itself is usually only about 2 to 3 inches in diameter, the spines can grow three to four times this length. During the day, urchins will find a corner or hiding spot to rest. At night, they will roam about the tank searching for food and algae on the substrate, rockwork, and glass. Food and diet:The urchin is best kept in an aquarium where it will have ample supplies of algae to eat. Recommended minimum tank size: 1 gallon or larger Level of Care: Easy Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2" Reef Compatibility:Very good REEFSAFE $19.99 ea. Quantity :

Red Slate Urchin Heterocentrotus mammilatus Description:The Red Slate Pencil Urchin comes from Hawaii and is also known as Slate Pencil Urchin. It has a reddish-tan body with long, solid spines that taper at the tips and radiate out from the body in all directions at lengths of up to five inches. During the day, it will hide among the rocks, in crevices, or under plants in a sandy substrate. At night, it will emerge to graze on the algae present in or near its home. Food and diet:The urchin is best kept in an aquarium where it will have ample supplies of algae to eat. Recommended minimum tank size: 1 gallon or larger Level of Care: Easy Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2" Reef Compatibility:Very good REEFSAFE $29.99 each Quantity :

Pencil Urchins Eucidaris tribuloides Description: The pencil urchin, Eucidaris tribuloides, is a sea urchin that inhabits regions of the Atlantic Ocean.The Pencil Urchin, also known as theClub or Mine Urchin,it is a small reddish brown urchin with pencil-like spines protruding from its body. These spines are thicker than that of other urchins. But like all urchins, they act as a defensive mechanism against predators in nature. Some species of sea urchins, such as the slate pencil urchin (Eucidaris tribuloides), are commonly sold in aquarium stores because they are effective at controlling a reef tank's hair algae issues. During daytime hours the Pencil Urchin will spend its time sleeping near rocks, or corners of the aquarium. At night though, they will come alive, searching out algae such as its favorite hair algae or any other form of green algae for a meal. Food and diet:The pencil urchin is best kept in a reef-style aquarium where it should be fed dried green seaweed sheets. Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger Level of Care: Easy Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2" Reef Compatibility:Very good REEFSAFE $11.99 ea. Quantity :

Blue Tuxedo Urchin Mespilia globulus Description: The Tuxedo urchin is an excellent algae controller for either a reef aquarium or a saltwater fish only aquarium housing aggressive fish. Easily identifiable by there colored bands usually blue or black, with red, brown, or dark spines.During the day, urchins will find a corner or hiding spot to rest. At night, they will roam about the tank searching for food and algae on the substrate, rockwork, and glass. Food and diet:The urchin is best kept in an aquarium where it will have ample supplies of algae to eat. Recommended minimum tank size: 1 gallon or larger Level of Care: Easy Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2" Reef Compatibility:Very good REEFSAFE $18.99 each Quantity :