Family
Common name: Collector Urchins
Scientific name: Temnopleuridae
The Temnopleuridae family, commonly known as Collector Urchins or Temnopleurid Urchins, includes a variety of sea urchins found in tropical and subtropical oceans. These urchins are known for their distinctive appearance, often featuring bright colors and intricate patterns. They play a significant role in the reef ecosystem by grazing on algae, which helps prevent overgrowth and maintain the balance of the reef. In the aquarium, they can be beneficial for controlling algae, but care should be taken to ensure they are not placed with delicate corals or invertebrates they might damage.
- Common name: blue tuxedo urchinScientific name: Mespilia globulus
- Common name: Bald-patch urchinScientific name: Microcyphus rousseaui
- Common name: Dussumier's DartfishScientific name: Salmaciella dussumieri
- Common name: Salmacis BelliScientific name: Salmacis belli
- Common name: Urchin Banded ShrimpScientific name: Salmacis sphaeroides