Pencil Urchin

Pencil Urchin, Eucidaris tribuloides, begins life as a yellow-brown spiny creature, but as corraline algae accumulates on it over time, it each is likely to adopt a unique brown and purple appearance. This Caribbean native also acts as a great cleaner of many algae, including the fast-growing green hair algae. It is quite easy in the marine aquarium to keep this animal well fed as it primarily feeds on algae (including coralline) and pieces of uneaten food. The Pencil Urchin will squeeze between rocks and into crevices in search of uneaten food and algae. In the absence of algae, dried seaweed sheet should be provided. It has also been reported that this Urchin may damage some hard and soft corals. Urchins must be kept with fish that are not aggressive as its menacing appearance does little to protect it from potential carnivorous predators. Through the process of food foraging, larger specimens can overturn and loosen corals. As with most invertebrates, a copper content in the water above moderate levels will likely cause it to perish. Given the correct environment and water conditions, Urchins are hardy and can live in the home aquarium for years.