sick sea urchin?

[dolphineducator]

Does anyone know if sea urchins shed their spines? We have a red pencil urchin whose spines are turning green and falling off. Is my urchin dying or shedding? I don't think they shed. Does anyone know for sure? It gets plenty of food (algae). Any info will do. Thank you!

 

[quarryshark]

Sorry to say he is probably dying. How long have you had him? Too fast acclimation can be a problem with them. They are also very sensative to water quality changes.
Shedding spines is not a good sign. All you can really do is keep excellent water quality for him and hope.
Sorry

 

[dolphineducator]

He's been around for awhile. He is quite large so he might be at the end of his life. Water quality is the same. Thanks.

 

[quarryshark]

Yes it just may be age-normal.
Sorry again