Sea Urchen

[mmaglione]

I purchased a sea urchen today upon the request of my wife thinking it was a cool creature. I was apposed at first but i must say the blue dots it has at the base of its spiked tenticals are very cool. I got it in my tank after acclimation, it seems very happy however shortly began dispensing a white fluid that came out in a stream. It seemed to come from areas around the Eye and or mouth whatever it is. Ive looked obviously most of it has dissipated but it seems that the white substance it excreted is now wrapped around its tentacles. I'm curious is this substance to aid in the regrowth of spikes that have broken off? or is it a defense mechanism ? what?

 

[melosu58]

Usually inverts will try spawning to help keep the species going when they sense danger or something strange happening. I`m not an urchin expert but I have heard that before.