Blue tux urchin

underwaterdan · Nov 7, 2015

Im looking to possibly get a Blue tux urchin for my 150 mixed reef tank. Can anyone tell me if they've had luck with these guys? Seems like most sites say they are easy to care for and are reef safe.

Lynn52 · Nov 7, 2015

I have a very small one (3/4 diameter) in my 40b. I actually bought him at petco. He is great at controlling algae. I have heard urchins like starfish have to be very slowly acclimated to the tank water. I also have a halloween urchin that is bigger (2") in my 125. He seems to be fine around coral that is glued down but currently he is carrying one of my ricordia mushrooms on his head along with his favorite conch shell.

Vivid Aquariums · Nov 7, 2015

These urchins are great algae eaters and a unique addition to the reef. However keep in mind they will eat coralline algae and pick up small pieces of coral(sometimes your prized zoas) and use it to camouflage themselves by carrying it around on its back. If that doesn't bother you, they are a true workhorse when it comes to algae control.

James