Urchins
Sea urchins are fascinating and unique invertebrates that can be a great addition to a reef aquarium. Known for their spiny exteriors, these echinoderms are not only interesting to look at but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the tank. Sea urchins are excellent algae grazers, helping to keep unwanted algae growth under control. This makes them particularly useful in larger tanks where algae can quickly become an issue if not managed properly.
There are various species of sea urchins that hobbyists can choose from, each with its own set of characteristics. For example, the Mespilia globulus is small and colorful, making it a popular choice for smaller tanks. On the other hand, the Diadema setosum is known for its long, sharp spines and requires more space due to its size and potential for causing injury.
When keeping sea urchins, it's important to consider their specific needs. They require stable water conditions with appropriate levels of calcium and alkalinity to maintain their spines and overall health. Additionally, they are sensitive to changes in water quality, so regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial. Sea urchins also need plenty of live rock to graze on, and it's essential to ensure that they are well-fed to prevent them from starving.
Sea urchins have interesting behaviors and can be quite active, often moving around the tank in search of food. They can also be a part of fascinating symbiotic relationships; for example, some species have been observed carrying small pieces of debris or even small animals for camouflage and protection. However, caution should be taken when handling them, as their spines can be sharp and potentially venomous in some species.
Overall, sea urchins can be a valuable and intriguing addition to a reef aquarium, provided their care requirements are met. Their unique appearance and beneficial algae-grazing habits make them a favorite among many reefkeepers.
- Common name: Fire UrchinScientific name: Asthenosoma ijimai
- Common name: variable fire urchinScientific name: Asthenosoma varium
- Common name: Pale spine fire urchinScientific name: Astropyga magnifica
- Common name: Blue-spotted UrchinScientific name: Astropyga radiata
- Common name: Lesser Sand DollarScientific name: Brissus latecarinatus
- Common name: groove burrowing urchinScientific name: Brissus unicolor
- Common name: long-spined urchinScientific name: Centrostephanus longispinus
- Common name: Long-spined Sea UrchinScientific name: Centrostephanus rodgersii
- Common name: Sand DollarScientific name: Clypeaster humilis
- Common name: Sand DollarScientific name: Clypeaster reticulatus
- Common name: sea biscuitScientific name: Clypeaster rosaceus
- Common name: sand dollarScientific name: Clypeaster subdepressus
- Common name: long-spined sea urchinScientific name: Diadema antillarum
- Common name: Sea urchinScientific name: Diadema savignyi
- Common name: black longspine urchinScientific name: Diadema setosum
- Common name: sea-potatoScientific name: Echinocardium cordatum
- Common name: rock-boring urchinScientific name: Echinometra lucunter
- Common name: Rock Boring UrchinScientific name: Echinometra mathaei
- Common name: Reef UrchinScientific name: Echinometra viridis
- Common name: Urchin Spine SnailScientific name: Echinostrephus aciculatus
- Common name: Burrowing fine spine urchinScientific name: Echinostrephus molaris
- Common name: banded sea urchinScientific name: Echinothrix calamaris
- Common name: Diadema urchinScientific name: Echinothrix diadema
- Common name: common sea urchinScientific name: Echinus esculentus
- Common name: Pineapple Sea UrchinScientific name: Echinus melo
- Common name: Sand DollarScientific name: Encope emarginata
- Common name: Pencil UrchinScientific name: Eucidaris metularia
- Common name: slate pencil urchinScientific name: Eucidaris tribuloides
- Common name: Slate Pencil UrchinScientific name: Goniocidaris tubaria
- Common name: slate pencil urchinScientific name: Heterocentrotus mamillatus
- Common name: Heart UrchinScientific name: Lovenia elongata
- Common name: variegated urchinScientific name: Lytechinus variegatus
- Common name: West Indian Sea EggScientific name: Meoma ventricosa
- Common name: Red Sea UrchinScientific name: Mesocentrotus franciscanus
- Common name: blue tuxedo urchinScientific name: Mespilia globulus
- Common name: Bald-patch urchinScientific name: Microcyphus rousseaui
- Common name: Purple sea urchinScientific name: Paracentrotus lividus
- Common name: Imperial Sea UrchinScientific name: Phyllacanthus imperialis
- Common name: Cidaroid Sea UrchinScientific name: Plococidaris verticillata
- Common name: Crown-spined Pencil UrchinScientific name: Prionocidaris baculosa
- Common name: Pencil Sea UrchinScientific name: Prionocidaris bispinosa
- Common name: Green Sea UrchinScientific name: Psammechinus microtuberculatus
- Common name: Indiana UrchinScientific name: Pseudoboletia indiana
- Common name: Spotted Sea UrchinScientific name: Pseudoboletia maculata
- Common name: Salmacis BelliScientific name: Salmacis belli
- Common name: Urchin Banded ShrimpScientific name: Salmacis sphaeroides
- Common name: Sculpsitechinus auritusScientific name: Sculpsitechinus auritus
- Common name: Purple heart urchinScientific name: Spatangus purpureus
- Common name: violet sea urchinScientific name: Sphaerechinus granularis
- Common name: Purple sea urchinScientific name: Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
- Common name: red lance urchinScientific name: Stylocidaris affinis
- Common name: Flower UrchinScientific name: Toxopneustes pileolus
- Common name: Collector UrchinScientific name: Tripneustes gratilla
- Common name: sea eggScientific name: Tripneustes ventricosus