Urchin

[99problemsandatankisone]

Purchased as a “fire” urchin. Not sure what it is any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[TriggerFinger]

It’s a fire urchin.

 

[99problemsandatankisone]

It’s a fire urchin.

But I don’t think any of these look right…

Fire urchin - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Tired]

Astropyga radiata - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Look at the pictures on this page, some of 'em seem about right. Careful with that, it's venomous.

 

[Spieg]

I believe they are called a Red Radiating Sea Urchin. Here is a picture of mine;

https://www.bing.com/images/search?...rchin&form=HDRSC2&first=1&tsc=ImageBasicHover

 

[TriggerFinger]

But I don’t think any of these look right…

Fire urchin - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

There’s a pretty spot on match in the description posted on Wikipedia

 

[99problemsandatankisone]

Astropyga radiata - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Look at the pictures on this page, some of 'em seem about right. Careful with that, it's venomous.

Your right! Thank you very much!!! Venom isn’t too bad on him…

 

[99problemsandatankisone]

I believe they are called a Red Radiating Sea Urchin. Here is a picture of mine;

https://www.bing.com/images/search?...rchin&form=HDRSC2&first=1&tsc=ImageBasicHover

That one looks great!!! I love how the blue dots split into multiple rows!! Have you noticed any issues with coral? Mine has only gone after the hair algae and left the coral alone so far but I’m still weary

 

[Spieg]

That one looks great!!! I love how the blue dots split into multiple rows!! Have you noticed any issues with coral? Mine has only gone after the hair algae and left the coral alone so far but I’m still weary

Like most urchins, it will go after coralline algae a little. Mine will sometimes leave a mark on some encrusting corals (I have a leptoseris that sometimes shows a few bite marks) but nothing too bad (usually heals up again in a couple of days so you can't even tell).

 

[r20crazy]

I would take it back. they are venomous (equal to a bee sting in most cases), and can grow up to 8 inches in diameter. reef safe with caution (if not enough algae will eat corals), and prefer temps on the lower end of reef tanks (72-78). Cool, but not worth risk IMO.

 

[99problemsandatankisone]

I would take it back. they are venomous (equal to a bee sting in most cases), and can grow up to 8 inches in diameter. reef safe with caution (if not enough algae will eat corals), and prefer temps on the lower end of reef tanks (72-78). Cool, but not worth risk IMO.

So I bought it from the local store but I talked with them before making purchase about them taking him back if there are any issues, he’s on his trial run this week and if he’s not happy or goes after my coral I’ll take him back. I’m having a lot of algae crop up and his sting isn’t that bad ( I hit his spine through a bag while get him acclimated, I have no kids or anyone at risk of an adverse reaction)

I appreciate the input and definitely didn’t just commit to adding an in something to the tank without a plan in place for when/if things go sideways!

 

[Spieg]

I just feed mine a 1/4 sheet of nori ever few days and it never really bothers corals.

 

[blaxsun]

They’re not really any different than the black longspine urchin or any fish with venomous dorsal spines: don’t pick either up, lol. They’re super cool looking, though. The rows of “lights” make them look like something out of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

 

[99problemsandatankisone]

They’re not really any different than the black longspine urchin or any fish with venomous dorsal spines: don’t pick either up, lol. They’re super cool looking, though. The rows of “lights” make them look like something out of Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

I definitely agree, I didn’t see the “row of lights” until I got it in the tank and was so excited because I was already very excited for the orange red/colors!

 

[blaxsun]

I definitely agree, I didn’t see the “row of lights” until I got it in the tank and was so excited because I was already very excited for the orange red/colors!

I miss the two I had (they just disappeared one day!) Mine were mostly dark grey/black, with rows of green and blue lights. I really like the red one you have - pretty neat!

 

[99problemsandatankisone]

I miss the two I had (they just disappeared one day!) Mine were mostly dark grey/black, with rows of green and blue lights. I really like the red one you have - pretty neat!

Thank you!

crazy they disappeared on you! Do you have any theories as to why it played Casper?

 

[blaxsun]

Thank you!

crazy they disappeared on you! Do you have any theories as to why it played Casper?

When I eventually upgraded to a larger tank I found some remnants (spines) wedged into the underside of a rock. But I don’t have theories on how they ended up there or what would’ve caused their demise. I have a single tuxedo urchin now in my new tank and he’s just fine doing his rounds. I think I’m going to get him a hat.