Description
The Ultimate Algae Predator
For the aquarist facing a serious nuisance algae problem, the Black Long Spine Sea Urchin is one of nature's most effective and relentless solutions. With its dramatic, jet-black spines that can grow to incredible lengths, this urchin is a visually striking creature that commands respect. It is a nocturnal powerhouse, emerging from the rockwork at night to become an unparalleled grazing machine, consuming vast amounts of stubborn hair algae, bubble algae, and turf algae that other cleanup crew members ignore.
The Long Spine Urchin uses its impressive reach to clean deep within crevices, ensuring a level of cleanliness that is difficult to achieve by any other means. Its presence in a large aquarium is a bold statement of both beauty and function, but its formidable nature requires a knowledgeable and cautious owner. This is an expert-level invertebrate intended for the dedicated hobbyist.
WARNING: Venomous Spines & Handling Precautions
This is not an animal for beginners. Please read the following safety warnings carefully before purchasing.
- VENOMOUS SPINES: The long, black spines are extremely sharp, brittle, and contain a mild venom. A sting is intensely painful, comparable to multiple bee stings, and can cause significant swelling and discomfort.
- HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION: Never touch this urchin with your bare hands. Always be aware of its location during tank maintenance. Use thick gloves and heavy-duty tongs if you must move it.
- BRITTLE SPINES: The spines can easily break off in skin, requiring tedious and painful removal.
An Unrivaled Algae Grazer:
- Voracious Appetite: Considered the single best grazer for tough nuisance algae, including hair algae and even bubble algae (Valonia).
- Incredible Reach: Its long spines allow it to graze deep within complex rockwork where other animals cannot reach.
- Dramatic Appearance: Adds a stunning and dynamic "danger-of-the-reef" aesthetic to large aquariums.
- Interesting Behavior: Its spines react to shadows and movement, providing a fascinating display of its defensive instincts.
Care & Specifications
Proper care for a Long Spine Urchin involves respecting its needs and its dangerous defenses. It is hardy in the right environment but demands a specific type of setup.
Tank & Equipment Considerations:
- Bulldozer Effect: This urchin is strong and clumsy. It will knock over any unsecured coral frags or unstable rockwork. All corals and rocks must be securely glued down or epoxied.
- Acrylic Tank Warning: Not recommended for acrylic tanks. Its powerful mouthparts (Aristotle's lantern) will leave permanent scratches on acrylic surfaces.
- Coralline Algae Eater: It will consume desirable coralline algae as readily as nuisance algae.
- Wire Warning: Urchins have been known to chew on submerged equipment wires. Ensure cords for powerheads and heaters are protected or routed out of the urchin's reach.
Tank Requirements:
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 Gallons or larger, to accommodate its significant spine-span.
- Aquascape: Requires sturdy, open rockwork with plenty of caves and overhangs for it to hide in during the day.
- System Maturity: Must be introduced to a mature aquarium with a steady supply of algae.
Feeding:
- Diet: Herbivore.
- Primary Foods: Will primarily feed on the algae present in the aquarium.
- Supplemental Feeding: In very clean tanks, its diet must be supplemented with dried seaweed (nori) to keep it healthy and prevent it from sampling corals.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72−78°F (22−25.5°C)
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Specific Gravity: 1.023−1.025
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pH: 8.1−8.4
Compatibility:
- Temperament: Peaceful (but dangerous to touch).
- Reef Safe: With Extreme Caution. It will not predate healthy corals but is a major physical threat to unsecured frags and may sample corals if starved.
- Tank Mates: Avoid housing with large Triggerfish, Pufferfish, or Sheepshead Wrasse, which are its natural predators.
Acclimation: IMPORTANT: Urchins are extremely sensitive to changes in water chemistry. A very slow drip acclimation over a period of at least 90 minutes is absolutely mandatory for their survival.
