Can you name this urchin?

[ellizard]

Can anyone out there name this urchin? I have searched thru books, the web and this board looking for an urchin that looks like this and i cannot find a similiar looking urchin. I woke up one morning and there he was. It must have been hiding in some live rock I ordered from the local pet store. It's cool looking but I don't have a clue what the name of it is.

 

[reefkprz]

Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (purple sea urchin) would be my best guess.

 

[reefreak29]

I was thinking charlie

 

[ophiura]

Echinometra mathaei is my guess.

 

[perfectdark]

Originally Posted by reefreak29
http:///forum/post/2618743
I was thinking charlie
hahaha

I was gonna say Dave...

 

[reefkprz]

Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/2618752
Echinometra mathaei is my guess.
I would guess your probably right

 

[viper_930]

I think it's a parasuctrua anemesis. =]

 

[sepulatian]

I was thinking the purple as well, but my money is on Ophiura's guess

 

[ellizard]

Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/2618752
Echinometra mathaei is my guess.
I think thats a winner!

Echinometra mathaei is the closest thing so far that looks remotely similar. Thanks.

I didn't think it fit the purple urchin profile. It is close though.
And I dubbed it SPIKE! HarHar!

 

[coral keeper]

What do they eat and are they easy to care for?

 

[fish are good]

hi ive got one and they are really easy to take care of but the eat some algea and like to nibble off all the purple coloring on the live rock. how big is yours?
pm me thanks
Jake

 

[florida joe]

start with Tripneustes gratilla and work you way through the species I think you will find your guy

 

[ophiura]

Echinometra are a common group called the "rock boring urchins" and are frequent hitch hikers on LR.

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/2619906
start with Tripneustes gratilla and work you way through the species I think you will find your guy

Tripneustes typically have smaller more delicate arm spines and a larger test (shell) than these, as well as a more pronounced interradius (the area between the rows of tube feet)...eg think the tuxedo urchin with the wide blue areas.

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/2619985
Tripneustes typically have smaller more delicate arm spines and a larger test (shell) than these, as well as a more pronounced interradius (the area between the rows of tube feet)...eg think the tuxedo urchin with the wide blue areas.
Excellent observation and I defer to your choice

 

[tomato clown]

Why not find out where the LR came from, then search the species located in those waters? It could end up being a basic Purple Urchin. They do come in different shades.

 

[nwdyr]

I also have 2 that came in on LR, they seem to be ok and don't bother anything.

 

[mr.clownfish]

i think its Echinometra mathaei too.

u r lucky