Common name: Slate Pencil Urchin

General information

The Slate Pencil Urchin, scientifically known as Goniocidaris tubaria, is a distinctive echinoderm that is recognized for its thick, blunt spines that resemble pencils or chalk sticks. These spines are often reddish-brown to dark purple in color, providing the urchin with its common name. Slate Pencil Urchins are found in a variety of reef environments and are known for their role in the ecosystem as grazers of algae.

Care

In the aquarium, Slate Pencil Urchins require a stable environment with plenty of live rock and algae for grazing. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of conditions, but they do best in systems that replicate their natural habitat with strong water movement and high water quality. It's important to ensure that the aquarium does not have aggressive fish that may harass or damage the urchin's spines.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Goniocidaris tubaria is typically sexual, with external fertilization occurring in the water column. In an aquarium setting, breeding is rare, but hobbyists may observe spawning behavior if conditions are ideal. The larvae are planktonic and go through several developmental stages before settling to the bottom and metamorphosing into juvenile urchins.

Habitat

Slate Pencil Urchins are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, and are often associated with coral and rocky reef habitats. They can be found at various depths, usually from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep, where they graze on algae and contribute to the health of the reef ecosystem.