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.

1. 
   Common name: Fire Urchin

   Scientific name: Asthenosoma ijimai
2. 
   Common name: variable fire urchin

   Scientific name: Asthenosoma varium
3. 
   Common name: Pale spine fire urchin

   Scientific name: Astropyga magnifica
4. 
   Common name: Blue-spotted Urchin

   Scientific name: Astropyga radiata
5. 
   Common name: Lesser Sand Dollar

   Scientific name: Brissus latecarinatus
6. Common name: groove burrowing urchin

   Scientific name: Brissus unicolor
7. 
   Common name: long-spined urchin

   Scientific name: Centrostephanus longispinus
8. 
   Common name: Long-spined Sea Urchin

   Scientific name: Centrostephanus rodgersii
9. 
   Common name: Sand Dollar

   Scientific name: Clypeaster humilis
10. 
    Common name: Sand Dollar

    Scientific name: Clypeaster reticulatus
11. Common name: sea biscuit

    Scientific name: Clypeaster rosaceus
12. 
    Common name: sand dollar

    Scientific name: Clypeaster subdepressus
13. 
    Common name: long-spined sea urchin

    Scientific name: Diadema antillarum
14. 
    Common name: Sea urchin

    Scientific name: Diadema savignyi
15. 
    Common name: black longspine urchin

    Scientific name: Diadema setosum
16. 
    Common name: sea-potato

    Scientific name: Echinocardium cordatum
17. 
    Common name: rock-boring urchin

    Scientific name: Echinometra lucunter
18. 
    Common name: Rock Boring Urchin

    Scientific name: Echinometra mathaei
19. 
    Common name: Reef Urchin

    Scientific name: Echinometra viridis
20. 
    Common name: Urchin Spine Snail

    Scientific name: Echinostrephus aciculatus
21. Common name: Burrowing fine spine urchin

    Scientific name: Echinostrephus molaris
22. 
    Common name: banded sea urchin

    Scientific name: Echinothrix calamaris
23. 
    Common name: Diadema urchin

    Scientific name: Echinothrix diadema
24. 
    Common name: common sea urchin

    Scientific name: Echinus esculentus
25. 
    Common name: Pineapple Sea Urchin

    Scientific name: Echinus melo
26. 
    Common name: Sand Dollar

    Scientific name: Encope emarginata
27. 
    Common name: Pencil Urchin

    Scientific name: Eucidaris metularia
28. 
    Common name: slate pencil urchin

    Scientific name: Eucidaris tribuloides
29. 
    Common name: Slate Pencil Urchin

    Scientific name: Goniocidaris tubaria
30. 
    Common name: slate pencil urchin

    Scientific name: Heterocentrotus mamillatus
31. 
    Common name: Heart Urchin

    Scientific name: Lovenia elongata
32. 
    Common name: variegated urchin

    Scientific name: Lytechinus variegatus
33. 
    Common name: West Indian Sea Egg

    Scientific name: Meoma ventricosa
34. 
    Common name: Red Sea Urchin

    Scientific name: Mesocentrotus franciscanus
35. 
    Common name: blue tuxedo urchin

    Scientific name: Mespilia globulus
36. Common name: Bald-patch urchin

    Scientific name: Microcyphus rousseaui
37. 
    Common name: Purple sea urchin

    Scientific name: Paracentrotus lividus
38. 
    Common name: pencil urchin

    Scientific name: Phyllacanthus imperialis
39. Common name: Cidaroid Sea Urchin

    Scientific name: Plococidaris verticillata
40. Common name: Crown-spined Pencil Urchin

    Scientific name: Prionocidaris baculosa
41. 
    Common name: Pencil Sea Urchin

    Scientific name: Prionocidaris bispinosa
42. 
    Common name: Green Sea Urchin

    Scientific name: Psammechinus microtuberculatus
43. Common name: Indiana Urchin

    Scientific name: Pseudoboletia indiana
44. 
    Common name: Spotted Sea Urchin

    Scientific name: Pseudoboletia maculata
45. Common name: Salmacis Belli

    Scientific name: Salmacis belli
46. 
    Common name: Urchin Banded Shrimp

    Scientific name: Salmacis sphaeroides
47. Common name: Sculpsitechinus auritus

    Scientific name: Sculpsitechinus auritus
48. 
    Common name: Purple heart urchin

    Scientific name: Spatangus purpureus
49. 
    Common name: violet sea urchin

    Scientific name: Sphaerechinus granularis
50. 
    Common name: Purple sea urchin

    Scientific name: Strongylocentrotus purpuratus
51. 
    Common name: red lance urchin

    Scientific name: Stylocidaris affinis
52. 
    Common name: Flower Urchin

    Scientific name: Toxopneustes pileolus
53. 
    Common name: collector urchin

    Scientific name: Tripneustes gratilla
54. 
    Common name: sea egg

    Scientific name: Tripneustes ventricosus