Order

Common name: Pencil Urchins

Scientific name: Cidaroida

Cidaroida, commonly known as Pencil Urchins, is an order of sea urchins characterized by their thick, blunt spines that resemble pencils. These urchins are found in various marine environments and are known for their hardy nature, making them suitable for reef aquariums. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by grazing on algae, which helps prevent overgrowth and maintain the balance in the tank. Pencil Urchins are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tank mates. However, their spines can be sharp, so careful handling is advised.

  1.  slate pencil urchin Heterocentrotus mammillatus
    Common name: Pencil Urchin
    Scientific name: Eucidaris metularia
  2. Eucidaris tribuloides, the slate pencil urchin
    Common name: slate pencil urchin
    Scientific name: Eucidaris tribuloides
  3. close up underwater photo of red slate pencil urchin
    Common name: Slate Pencil Urchin
    Scientific name: Goniocidaris tubaria
  4. Imperial Sea Urchin (Phyllacanthus imperialis), Sulawesi Indonesia
    Common name: Imperial Sea Urchin
    Scientific name: Phyllacanthus imperialis
  5. Common name: Cidaroid Sea Urchin
    Scientific name: Plococidaris verticillata
  6. Common name: Crown-spined Pencil Urchin
    Scientific name: Prionocidaris baculosa
  7. View of pencil urchin behind corals
    Common name: Pencil Sea Urchin
    Scientific name: Prionocidaris bispinosa
  8. Red lance urchin, Small lance sea urchin, Stylocidaris affinis.Sea-urchin
    Common name: red lance urchin
    Scientific name: Stylocidaris affinis