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Aquacultured Pincushion Sea Urchin (Lytechinus variegatus)
 Aquacultured Pincushion Sea Urchin
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Aquacultured
Aquacultured Pincushion Sea Urchin (Lytechinus variegatus)
Additional locales and sizes may be available!
Additional locales and sizes may be available!

Quick Stats

Care Level Moderate
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Tan
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Family Toxopneustidae
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Moderate
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Tan
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Family Toxopneustidae
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

Manage nuisance algae, the environmentally conscientious way with Aquacultured Variegated Pincushion Sea Urchin! This extremely effective herbivore rapidly consumes nuisance algae to help keep your reef aquarium system naturally healthy and clean.

The Aquacultured Variegated Pincushion Sea Urchin originates from the tropical waters of the Western Atlantic usually found roving shallow sea grass flats and other sandy substrate. To properly house your urchin, provide large amounts of live rock for ample hiding places and sufficient room to forage. Mainly active at night, the Variegated Pincushion Sea Urchin generally stays hidden in caves during the day, though it may make a burrow in thick substrate.

While roaming the aquarium in search of food, the Variegated Pincushion Sea Urchin will frequently display an interesting "covering behavior". Whether for camouflage or protection from UV radiation the Variegated Pincushion Sea Urchin can be observed holding onto small rocks, shells, and pieces of macroalgae with its tube feet.

Keep in mind, live rock formations need to be stable and able to withstand the movement of the urchin wedging itself in crevices. Though generally solitary in nature, the Variegated Pincushion Sea Urchin will tolerate others of its own kind. Maintain ideal water quality as the Variegated Pincushion Sea Urchin will not tolerate high nitrate levels. Poor water quality will cause it to lose its spines. Like many invertebrates, the Variegated Pincushion Sea Urchin is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications.

If there is insufficient algae for it to graze on, the diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed.

Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 1-1/2"

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