Sea urchin ID

[Raphael Dalmeida]

Hi guys,

Can you I'd what type of sea urchin is this ?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Either Pseudoboletia indiana or Lytechinus variegatus would be my guess. If you know where it came from, that could probably tell you for sure - from the Atlantic/Caribbean would be L. variegatus, from the Indo-Pacific would (most likely) be P. indiana.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

pin cushion

 

[bkwonnn]

Cool. Looks like a tuxedo but purple. Maybe because of the light ??

 

[Cthulukelele]

Either Pseudoboletia indiana or Lytechinus variegatus would be my guess. If you know where it came from, that could probably tell you for sure - from the Atlantic/Caribbean would be L. variegatus, from the Indo-Pacific would (most likely) be P. indiana.

This is the most technically correct answer, but the name you'll hear this type of urchin called in the hobby is likely just going to be "pincushion urchin" or "shortspine urchin"

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

Thanks guys.

I'm in Australia, so I suppose it would be "P. indiana".

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

Hey guys,

Quick check here.
Could he be a different kind of urchin? Or this urchin species may eat corals?

He's eaten half of a purple corallimorph.
100% sure, chewed the poor little thing.

Should I remove him from tank? And feeding on corals are usually specific to individual or to the species ?

I have plenty of hair algae and coralline in the tank for him to feed, the ******* goes for the coral lol.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Hey guys,

Quick check here.
Could he be a different kind of urchin? Or this urchin species may eat corals?

He's eaten half of a purple corallimorph.
100% sure, chewed the poor little thing.

Should I remove him from tank? And feeding on corals are usually specific to individual or to the species ?

I have plenty of hair algae and coralline in the tank for him to feed, the ******* goes for the coral lol.

It's possible, but I'm not aware of any other urchin species that looks like this and is from Australia. It's also possible that the urchin is a reef-safe species as identified (both should be safe with corals) and you've drawn a short straw so to speak - it's very rare, but even things like tangs are known to occasionally have specimens that eat corals.

 

[Raphael Dalmeida]

It's possible, but I'm not aware of any other urchin species that looks like this and is from Australia. It's also possible that the urchin is a reef-safe species as identified (both should be safe with corals) and you've drawn a short straw so to speak - it's very rare, but even things like tangs are known to occasionally have specimens that eat corals.

Haha I probably drew the short stick.

I don't have many morphs in the tank I will keep him there and observe.

Though if he's a repeat offender he shall be exiled.

 

[Lee adams]

Central Visays,Philippines..ID please!

 

[Lee adams]

..

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Central Visays,Philippines..ID please!

Most likely Tripneustes gratilla - algae eater; should be reef-safe (though it will carry things around):

The Multicolor Globe Urchin is Tripneustes gratilla, A.K.A. the Halloween Urchin or Collector Urchin.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Hi guys,

Can you I'd what type of sea urchin is this ?

Looks like a tuxedo to me, but my knowledge is minimal.

 

[Lee adams]

Most likely Tripneustes gratilla - algae eater; should be reef-safe (though it will carry things around):

Thank you and yes it does carry stuff! In regards algae,it's the best work crew I ever had..cheers!