Genus
Common name: Pencil Urchin
Scientific name: Plococidaris
Plococidaris is a genus of sea urchins commonly known as Pencil Urchins. They are characterized by their elongated, pencil-like spines, which can be quite striking in a reef aquarium. These urchins are part of the family Cidaridae and are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to various conditions in captivity. They play a beneficial role in the tank by grazing on algae, helping to keep the aquarium clean. However, care should be taken as their spines can be sharp and potentially harmful to soft-bodied tank mates.