Where to buy Short-Spined Urchin
ReefDock searches the following reef retailers for this invertebrate. Click through to see the live price.
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Saltwaterfish
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Amazon
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Petco
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About Short-Spined Urchin
Dark purple to black globular test with short, blunt spines. Adults typically reach 2–3 inches and possess a characteristic five-fold radial symmetry with a flattened base. Often produces brooding specimens with a pinkish or reddish coloration.
Key facts
- Notes
- • Minimum 30 gallon tank with adequate live rock for grazing and shelter • Temperature range 72–78°F; maintain stable water chemistry with regular water changes • Primarily herbivorous; feeds on turf algae, coralline algae, and detritus • Nocturnal and generally peaceful toward reef inhabitants, but may consume small soft corals or polyps if hungry • Hardy species once acclimated; prone to spine loss and deterioration if water quality or feeding is inadequate
- Max Size
- 4
- Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025
- Care Level
- Moderate
- Compatibility
- Short-spined urchins are generally reef-safe but may graze on desirable coralline algae and can be aggressive toward other urchins. Keep singly or ensure adequate space.
- Family
- Echinometridae
- Type
- Urchin
- Appearance Description
- Dark purple to black globular test with short, blunt spines. Adults typically reach 2–3 inches and possess a characteristic five-fold radial symmetry with a flattened base. Often produces brooding specimens with a pinkish or reddish coloration.
- Min tank size
- 30 gallons
- Category
- Detritivore
- Diet Details
- Primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae and detritus. Supplement with dried kelp, macroalgae, and occasional vegetable matter. May consume small encrusting organisms.
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific region including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the Indo-Australian Archipelago to Hawaii and French Polynesia.
Research before you buy
ReefDock is the sister app to Reef Trak. Use Reef Trak to research and log invertebrates, keep tank parameters organized, and maintain a complete livestock history. Log this invertebrate on Reef Trak.