Helmet urchin hitchhiker

[rc1626]

Had never seen or heard of these before. Found him in my return pipe. After identifying it and reading a little on them it sounds like they are rare in the aquarium industry. Probably because many things I've read said they eat coral. I've had not witnessed this at and have not had any coral losses at all.

It sounds like they are from Hawaii. Must have come in in an IPSF order. I've received 3 orders over the last 2 years with the last one being received in March.

Cool little animal. He's in my frag system now so will keep a close eye on him.

 

[WheatToast]

Had never seen or heard of these before. Found him in my return pipe. After identifying it and reading a little on them it sounds like they are rare in the aquarium industry. Probably because many things I've read said they eat coral. I've had not witnessed this at and have not had any coral losses at all.

It sounds like they are from Hawaii. Must have come in in an IPSF order. I've received 3 orders over the last 2 years with the last one being received in March.

Cool little animal. He's in my frag system now so will keep a close eye on him.

It’s amazing what can hitchhike into our aquariums! Splendid find!

 

[WheatToast]

Update?

 

[rc1626]

Model citizen to this point. It's in my frag tank which has multiple sps frags as well as a toadstool coral and two large frogspawn colonies. To this point I have not seen it touch a thing nor are there any signs it has.

 

[ReeferHD]

any updates on this guy? just came across one and I couldnt pass it up.

 

[ReeferHD]

Here’s a macro shot of mine @rc1626

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

any updates on this guy? just came across one and I couldnt pass it up.

Out of curiosity, where did you find it?

 

[ReeferHD]

Out of curiosity, where did you find it?

a LFS I regularly go to here in NJ, the owner said he's never seen one before and he's been in the hobby for 15+ years.

 

[rc1626]

I’ll post a shot of mine a little later if it’s available to take a picture. It got pretty big!

 

[rc1626]

Here it is. Rough measurement is about 2.5” - 3” in diameter. Still hasn’t touched a coral as far as I’ve seen.

 

[ReeferHD]

Here it is. Rough measurement is about 2.5” - 3” in diameter. Still hasn’t touched a coral as far as I’ve seen.

That’s awesome, mines only around 1.5” in diameter right now. they live in the intertidal zone which is a pretty extreme environment so I would imagine they’re quite hardy, I don’t think more than a handful of people have ever kept these as pets so I’m going to document my experience with mine. It’s encouraging to see that yours is doing well!

Ryan.

 

[rc1626]

I will say its grip on the glass is super strong! I can see why based on where you say they typically live.