Mystery Striped/Red Urchin?

haleyf1024 · Nov 9, 2016

Anyone know what this guy is? He looks a bit weird right now as he went into defense mode and stuck most of his pins straight up. He has a black body, with the 5 black lines separating his body into sections (just like any old tuxedo urchin.) but his pins are half striped white and maroon/red and half solid pink with some yellow near the base. I can't find anything like him online, so any leads are greatly appreciated!!

lewis.maryann08 · Nov 9, 2016

Kinda looks like a urchin

steve&mari · Nov 9, 2016

Salmacis bicolor I believe

steve&mari · Nov 9, 2016

Wow sorry about the bold lettering don't know what happened there lol

GHsaltie · Nov 9, 2016

http://www.aquareefphoto.com/2014/03/08/salmacis-bicolor-01/
Looks like it?

GHsaltie · Nov 9, 2016

steve&mari said:
Salmacis bicolor I believe

Haha I think we posted at the same time!

haleyf1024 · Nov 9, 2016

Thanks guys! I'm not finding a whole bunch of threads on them. Do any of you guys know if they are reef safe? I think someone mentioned that theirs ate their leather coral, but the other thread I found said 100% reef safe (which I know isn't always the case with any urchin if it's hungry enough.)

lewis.maryann08 · Nov 9, 2016

It may bepend on the type

steve&mari · Nov 10, 2016

Not sure how safe it is but it is one of very few things that will eat hydroids I've actually been looking for one but hard to come across.

haleyf1024 · Nov 10, 2016

Well he's been hanging out on the glass, didn't bother anything yet! I had never seen these guys before, but one of my LFS had a tank full of them for $25 each! I couldn't pass them up for that price and how beautiful they are. I did feed him a small piece of seaweed, which he took right of way, I'm guessing he has been starved at the shop since their tank has no algea in it. I hope he stays reef safe, but he seems good so far!