Genus
Common name: Tuxedo Urchin
Scientific name: Mespilia
Mespilia is a genus of sea urchins commonly known as Tuxedo Urchins, recognized for their distinctive color patterns that often resemble a formal tuxedo. These urchins are popular in reef aquariums for their algae-eating habits, helping to control algae growth. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of conditions, but they do require stable water quality and plenty of live rock or coral rubble to graze on. Tuxedo Urchins are also known for their interesting behavior of carrying debris on their backs, which they use as camouflage against predators.