Category:Urchins
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Sea Urchins in the Reef Aquarium
A Mixed Blessing?
Sea Urchins are some of the most-loved, and most-avoided, of the reef aquarium invertebrates. Some will shun them for their propensity to eat coralline algae. Some will receive a painful reminder to always watch where they put their hands into the tank. Still others may wind up with a species of sea urchin that is not well-suited for the reef aquarium. But for those who are willing to put up with some quirks in character, keeping an urchin can be a rewarding and interesting part of the saltwater aquarium hobby.
Coralline Algae and Sea urchins
Many of the species suited to aquarium life thrive on coralline algae- and they most certainly devour their share of it. To some aquarists, this is most certainly a bad thing- after all, we reefers consider coralline algae growth a badge of honor, or of tank health.
But does the urchin really remove the coralline algae from the tank, or does it help facilitate the spread of the algae by loosening it from rock and glass and having it enter the water column? There are certainly valid arguments for both sides; however, the camp that believes urchins will help spread coralline algae are certainly becoming the majority.
Cute When Small... Bulldozers When Big
Many sea urchins arrive in aquarists' tanks as small, almost cute little balls of spines. But as they grow, they will begin knocking over rockwork and corals without regard. After all, they're just cruising for algae.
But this behavior has made many an urchin unappreciated in its owner's tank. Secure rockwork and corals well, check daily for fallen corals, and be prepared to remove the urchin one day or put it in a tank where it can do less damage.
