Common name: Cidaroid Sea Urchin

General information

The Cidaroid Sea Urchin, scientifically known as Plococidaris verticillata, is a distinctive echinoderm with a globular shape and long, pencil-like spines. These spines are often banded with contrasting colors, making them quite striking in appearance. This species is part of the family Cidaridae, which are known for their robust spines and less toxic nature compared to other sea urchins.

Care

In the aquarium, Plococidaris verticillata requires a stable environment with plenty of live rock for grazing. They are excellent algae eaters, helping to control algae growth in the tank. However, care should be taken to ensure they do not topple over corals or disturb the aquascape with their strong spines. They are generally hardy but should be acclimated slowly to avoid stress.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Plococidaris verticillata is typically sexual, with external fertilization occurring in the water column. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but hobbyists can encourage spawning by maintaining excellent water quality and mimicking natural seasonal changes in temperature and lighting.

Habitat

This species is found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow reefs to deeper waters. They are adept at navigating rocky substrates and can often be found wedged in crevices or amongst rubble. In the wild, they are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean.