Genus
Common name: Heart Urchin
Scientific name: Spatangus
Spatangus, commonly known as Heart Urchins, are a genus of sea urchins that belong to the family Spatangidae. These burrowing echinoderms are characterized by their heart-shaped test and spines that are adapted for digging into sandy substrates. They play a role in the ecosystem by aerating the sea floor and are a unique addition to the sandbed of larger reef aquariums. Hobbyists should provide them with a deep sand bed and ensure that the tank is free of aggressive fish that may disturb them.