Urchins?

[Josh Hansen]

I have a surpent star and a chocolate chip star and want an urchin. I've talked to a few people and the say the urchin will eat the star. Everything I have read is the opposite. Help please?

 

[Untamedrose]

I cant say I have ever hear of a urchin killing a star...they are yes ominvoes but not attackers.

Through will say..they tend to be more of a PITA's in reef tank then a help.

 

[Tahoe61]

I can see an aggressive type starfish (ones we do not see in the hobby) eating an urchin but not the other way around.

 

[Bozoman]

Urchins are great for eating algae and are generally pretty good inhabitants in a reef. They can be a bit of a bulldozer in your tank though, knocking over loose corals etc. In a reef tank I would recommend the blue tuxedo urchin as it stays relatively small, has short spines so you don't accidentally get stabbed working in the tank, and they are beautiful and very interesting to watch. The only drawback as I see it is its ability and desire to camouflage itself in various things in the tank like zoanthids and macro algae. They will end up spreading some of the corals they pick up to new spots in the tank.

 

[JackDE]

I think I regret my tuxedo urchin due to his need to camouflage. I often have to save snails from him because he will carry the snails around until they die. He will also knock over any corals/rocks that aren't glued down.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I think the question is whether or not your tank can support three hungry algae eating creatures. My experience is that most starfish die from starvation in our relatively clean tanks. You will definitely have to supplement feeding.

 

[Pole04]

I find tuxedo urchins to be amazing little creatures. I like the shenanigans they seem to get into, but personally don't have any in my tanks yet. I am waiting on my tank to be more established before adding a pair.

I can see where them dragging corals and snails around could be a pain, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. You can alway reclaim their camo and place it back where it came from.

 

[DracoKat]

I've had a rock borin urchin for 2 years and some months. I love him! He doesn't make a mess, he's peaceful with other critters. Sometimes I'd accidentally touch him when cleaning but he doesn't hurt. Occasionally I'd find a frag on the ground, but as with any inhabitants, you're bound to find some lose frags on the ground.

I am debating if I want to get a tuxedo or two.