Echinometra mathaei (Rock Boring Urchin)
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Echinometra mathaei (Rock Boring Urchin)
Source liveaquaria.com
QUICK STATS
The Shortspine Urchin, also known as the Rock Boring Urchin, is an excellent addition to your algae-grazing cleanup crew. This small urchin from the Caribbean is primarily purplish-black and may exhibit a reddish tint. Echinometra lucunter is similar in appearance to Echinometra viridis, but can be identified by the absence of E. viridis' distinctive white rings around the base of each spine.
In the wild, this echinoid is very common on wave-beaten rocky shores in the Caribbean, where it is found in holes and crevices in just below low-tide level, typically no deeper than 1.3 meters. The hardy Shortspine Urchin will thrive in most marine aquariums, boring into the substrate by day and grazing on algae while roaming at night. They are also less inclined to "redecorate" your aquarium by moving or carrying around small items, as Pincushion Urchins are known to do.
In the aquarium, food can be placed near its spines or even on them. The spines have the ability to transport the food to its mouth. Use care when handling the Shortspine Urchin, as the spines are sharp and may break-off under the skin.
QUICK STATS
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Reef Compatible: Yes
- Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
- Max. Size: 3"
- Color Form: Black, Purple
- Diet: Herbivore
- Origin: Caribbean
- Family: Echinometridae
- Insert Date: 15 May 2011
The Shortspine Urchin, also known as the Rock Boring Urchin, is an excellent addition to your algae-grazing cleanup crew. This small urchin from the Caribbean is primarily purplish-black and may exhibit a reddish tint. Echinometra lucunter is similar in appearance to Echinometra viridis, but can be identified by the absence of E. viridis' distinctive white rings around the base of each spine.
In the wild, this echinoid is very common on wave-beaten rocky shores in the Caribbean, where it is found in holes and crevices in just below low-tide level, typically no deeper than 1.3 meters. The hardy Shortspine Urchin will thrive in most marine aquariums, boring into the substrate by day and grazing on algae while roaming at night. They are also less inclined to "redecorate" your aquarium by moving or carrying around small items, as Pincushion Urchins are known to do.
In the aquarium, food can be placed near its spines or even on them. The spines have the ability to transport the food to its mouth. Use care when handling the Shortspine Urchin, as the spines are sharp and may break-off under the skin.
thierry- Posts : 2238
Join date : 2009-08-18
Age : 42
Location : Zoetermeer
Urchins!
Yesterday we went to pick up 2 urchins we where able to trade for a couple of coral fragments. They are 2 really awesome looking urchins, one nice small Tripneustes gratilla and a bigger Echinometra mathaei. Traded both of them for a piece of Cabbage leather, starburst polyps and Finger leather.
Both arriving in the box
At first my wife wanted to test them for eating red hair algae and then think of putting one in the Red Sea Max, because of our fear of them eating all of the algae. But after seeing them she wanted to have one in there right away. So now the biggest of the 2, the Echinometra mathaei has moved into the Red Sea Max. Right after setting him free he moved behind the rocks. Good thing I had my phone with me for a quick picture :p
Both arriving in the box
At first my wife wanted to test them for eating red hair algae and then think of putting one in the Red Sea Max, because of our fear of them eating all of the algae. But after seeing them she wanted to have one in there right away. So now the biggest of the 2, the Echinometra mathaei has moved into the Red Sea Max. Right after setting him free he moved behind the rocks. Good thing I had my phone with me for a quick picture :p
thierry- Posts : 2238
Join date : 2009-08-18
Age : 42
Location : Zoetermeer
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