Can you name this urchin?

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ellizard

Guest
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.


 
E

ellizard

Guest
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!
 
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
 

ophiura

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

ophiura

Active Member
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

Well-Known Member
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
 
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.
 
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