Sea urchin hitchhiker, good or bad?

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Trophkid

Aquarium Advice Newbie
Joined
May 25, 2005
Messages
6
Location
TX
He came with my liverock from LR.com, which looks great (29 gallon with 15 #'s of gulf, 15#'s of keys and 10#'s base). My question is whether or not the sea urchin should be removed or left in the tank. I heard that they will eat the coraline algae. I don't want that because it looks really good right now. Any advice for beginner?

Thanks
 
maybe a description will be good for this, not all urchine are reef safe since they do eat fish.
 
Depending on the species, they may eat the coralline. Make sure to be careful when handling it... don't want to stick yourself on it. :wink:

Further descriptions and/or pics will help us help you more.
 
I've gotten common urchins (purple/black with 2-3inch spikes) on live rock and other than eating a bit of coralline, they are harmless. They are also excellent green algae eaters. As for potency, I've been pricked more than once without any effect.
Zach, sounds like a common urchin. They grow super fast. :D

I have a pic of one in my gallery. Pg 2
 
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