Black Longspine Urchin

[jeffg]

I am thinking about getting one of these. I am wondering if it will do OK with a Valentini Puffer? Also, interested in anyother comments anyone might have regarding this urchin.

 

[prime311]

They get absulutely huge, like basketball size and can become difficult to avoid while doing tank maintenance. They also might eat coraline algae.

 

[scottallert]

idk about them that much, but i was younger when i had one, i got stung in my finger and had to cut it out. so idk just dont get pricked when trying to maintain your tank.

 

[mr.reef]

i have three in my tank and ya i do get stung if i dont watch what i am doing but they r cool to have and help in the tank sooo much.... i have been told that they r safe with all fish but they r some thing to look at and ya they do get big if they live that long never seen on unless it is hand feed everyday...

 

[evilmantis]

I have one and before he broke some spines during a tank move (including one that broke off in my finger), I'd say he was at least 10" from tip to tip. But he's fun to watch and is really a neat creature.
And prime311 is right -- my tank is devoid of coralline in any place that the urchin can get to easily. The other problem is that he poops A LOT!!! And the poop is solid little pellets which form little piles at the bottom and need cleaned up manually because apparently other creatures won't eat it. (Maybe a dogfish would... after all, my other dogs eat any poop they can find!)