Common name: Long-spined Sea Urchin
General information
The Long-spined Sea Urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii, is a species of sea urchin that is notable for its long, sharp spines that can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. These urchins are primarily nocturnal and are known for their role in maintaining the balance of algal populations on reefs.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.3
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Herbivore Grazes on algae.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassSea UrchinsEchinoidea
- OrderSea UrchinsDiadematoida
- FamilyUrchinsDiadematidae
- GenusLong-spined sea urchinCentrostephanus
- SpeciesLong-spined Sea UrchinCentrostephanus rodgersii (A. Agassiz, 1864)
- SynonymsThrichodiadema rodgersii A. Agassiz, 1864
Care
In the aquarium, Centrostephanus rodgersii requires a tank with plenty of live rock and a stable environment to thrive. They are excellent algae eaters and can help control unwanted algae growth. However, their long spines can be hazardous to both the aquarist and other tank inhabitants, so care should be taken when handling or housing them with delicate species.
Reproduction
These urchins reproduce by releasing gametes into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.
Habitat
Centrostephanus rodgersii is found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow waters to depths of over 100 meters. They are common in the temperate waters of Australia and can often be found on rocky reefs where they graze on algae.