The Pencil Urchin, a.k.a. Mine Urchin, is a small brown urchin with pencil-like spines protuding from its body. These spines act as a defensive mechanism in nature. These Urchins are nocturnal and do most of their grazing at night. During the day they will usually stay stationary on the aquarium glass, or in a hiding spot in rockwork. All Urchins like lots of rockwork that they can crawl and feed on. They are excellent algae eaters, but should not be kept with corals. Over time their own body will become covered with coralline algae when kept in a tank with live rock.
Size: Approximately 2-3"
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Not with Corals
Diet: Algae
Origin: Caribbean