In the wild, these fascinating urchins inhabit seagrass beds. They collect and carry pieces of debris, detritus, and shells over their surface as camouflage. Sadly, they are a little too destructive to maintain in a standard reef aquarium, capable of totally bulldozing a prized aquascape, and sometimes predating on sessile invertebrates; instead the tank should have a large open expanse of live sand and planted seagrass. Juveniles will appreciate a small area of rocky cover. These intriguing creatures require full strength salinity and a relatively high, but stable water temperature if they are to do well. They are best maintained in groups. Tankmates should be non-aggressive and happy to inhabit the same conditions and environment. Poor water conditions will cause these urchins to shed their spines and rapidly decline in health. A mature tank is essential. Also known by the alternative common names of Hairy Pincushion Urchin, Priest-Hat Urchin, and Sea Eggs. Take care when handling this species, as the pedicellariae (distributed between the spines and tube feet) contain a toxin. A real curiosity, but one that requires a specialist set-up.
Feeding
Primarily herbivorous, but will forage on detritus and take meaty foods. Species of seagrass grazed upon in the wild include Syringodim isoetifolium and Thalassodendron ciliatum. Will readily consume Caulerpa and dried seaweed with the occasional meaty treat.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
