urchin id

[moo33284]

Just got this guy. Wondering if anyone knotweed exactly what kind of urchin he is. He's not all black like the other long spine urchins i've seen. He has an orange spot on top surrounded by blue dots. Thanks!

 

[Rosesrblu1]

Not sure what kind exactly, but the orange "spot" is the urchins anus. They eat from the bottom and poop through the top.

 

[moo33284]

That's what I thought. I'm just hoping he's not losing color and looks normal. Seems healthy though.

 

[Rosesrblu1]

When they are in poor water, their spines fall out. These look like they are growing back. Looks good to me. I have had a few in my time.

 

[moo33284]

Yeah he took some nori I offered him yesterday so I'm happy to see he's doing better. I literally picked him up they day after he was acclimated at the lfs so he went through a lot. I have him and a pincushion. The pincushion was carrying around a poor little hermit crab for a while yesterday... so interesting to watch. Thanks for the help!

 

[Rosesrblu1]

I just pulled my pin cushion from my reef yesterday. He was pulling my all my frags. He will be more comfortable in the 180 fowlr

 

[moo33284]

Luckily mine is still very small...but the new one I added is huge. He'll go in my other tank once its finished cycling, just in case. Don't want him knocking my coral all over.