View Full Version : Stay away from Urchins
serpentman
01/20/2010, 07:18 AM
I am now two for two. I had 2 urchins in my 300g. A few weeks ago, I discovered my large long spine had grazed across the base of my soli and an encrusting monti and removed a few decent spots of tissue. So removed him and had no issues since. Yesterday, I found my pencil urchin nestled on a branch of a large stage that had grown close its nook in the rock. The urchin had mowed 1/2 way through the branch which is now perfectly flat. Weird. I had gone several years without so much as an issue and now this.
From now on, no more urchins in my tank.
SDguy
01/20/2010, 09:46 AM
I like this kind. IME, they don't get huge, don't carry around frags like hats, don't eat sps. They will eat gorgonians though....
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/Peter/peter_cocos1.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/Peter/peter_urchin1.jpg
mpoletti
01/20/2010, 09:55 AM
I hear you Peter. I had my urchin move one frag that was no propely mounted, but that was it. I think ours are related :)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/mrpoletti/posted/tank%20build/ghomesick0010001.jpg
serpentman
01/20/2010, 10:23 AM
Nice looking animals. I may try something along that lines down the road. However I am done with pencils and long-spines. Once the lights come on I'll take a pic of the damage that was done.
SDguy
01/20/2010, 10:38 AM
I hear you Peter. I had my urchin move one frag that was no propely mounted, but that was it. I think ours are related :)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/mrpoletti/posted/tank%20build/ghomesick0010001.jpg
Nice pic, Mark. Unfortunately, the whole gorgonian eating aspect made me have to give mine away :(
Typhon
01/20/2010, 11:01 AM
Great looking urchin. What is the specie name?
I have only every had tuxedo urchin. Never had one eat corals, but they do tend to pick up items. Mostly snails.
I hear you Peter. I had my urchin move one frag that was no propely mounted, but that was it. I think ours are related :)
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/mrpoletti/posted/tank%20build/ghomesick0010001.jpg
SDguy
01/20/2010, 11:16 AM
Pretty sure it's a Salmacis bicolor. Though at the wholesalers they usually are just "asst. urchin" :)
kretzkiller
01/20/2010, 12:07 PM
I have never had a serious problem with my urchins. They occassionally knock something over or drag around frags, but never eat mine. Knock on wood :)
Iwishihadgills
01/20/2010, 12:11 PM
I like this kind. IME, they don't get huge, don't carry around frags like hats, don't eat sps. They will eat gorgonians though....
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/Peter/peter_cocos1.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/Peter/peter_urchin1.jpg
Arent those the poisonous ones?
StrategicReef
01/20/2010, 12:17 PM
I couldn't stand even the small pin cushion one I can always see a trail of white in my rocks (started to eat coraline)..
However the ones colored like in these pics might just be worth it.
JonnyD91
01/20/2010, 12:37 PM
Tuxedo Urchins are a good fit. They look similar the the above pics.
SDguy
01/20/2010, 01:51 PM
Arent those the poisonous ones?
No.
I couldn't stand even the small pin cushion one I can always see a trail of white in my rocks (started to eat coraline)..
However the ones colored like in these pics might just be worth it.
These will eat coraline too
Tuxedo Urchins are a good fit. They look similar the the above pics.
They like to carry around frags, so I'm not a fan.
eagleONE
01/20/2010, 02:01 PM
Yeah, I always made sure my frags were heavily glued down to my rockwork when I had my urchin. I wish I still had mine. :(
Sad you got rid of yours Peter. I didn't think many people had these.
serpentman
01/20/2010, 02:04 PM
I am still trying to ascertain what happened. Either the tissue died on the branch and the urchin was cleaning up or the urchin was eating the tissue. There was substantial damage to the skeleton which makes me believe the latter. This branch was growing right into the "nook" the urchin had made in the rock.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i223/serpentman2000/DSCF0016.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i223/serpentman2000/DSCF0020.jpg
SDguy
01/20/2010, 04:51 PM
Yikes! Well, considering the actual coralite structure is even missing, I'd say yes, the urchin munched it. Not sure how many other animals have the dental structure to be able to do that :)
stanlalee
01/20/2010, 06:52 PM
the two types you have are notorious for not being hit or miss for reef safeness. stick with the pincusion family, usually much safer.
serpentman
01/20/2010, 07:12 PM
the two types you have are notorious for not being hit or miss for reef safeness. stick with the pincusion family, usually much safer.
Definitely learned my lessen. Thankfully that particular stag grows like a weed.
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