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.
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