QUICK!!! Is it deadly????

[9fishers]

I found this in my tank last night. Photo'd on a frag. Its small, about 1 1/2", brown, 2 rows of spikes around flat center, hole in center. Is it friend or foe??? If foe, what do I do with it???
Nicole

 

[9fishers]

OK, its only about 3/4". Me thinks it is an urchin! If so, friend or foe???

 

[bang guy]

Definately an Urchin. Can you get a clearer shot of it? Ophiura is the star of this show but there are a few Urchins I'm familiar with.

 

[kyle wyckoff]

looks kinda like a pencil urchin if it is than its a friend.

 

[9fishers]

I think he's UGLY!!!

 

[sammystingray]

If you think he's ugly, then remove him, and take him to a LFS for trade or credit. I personally find most urchins to be troublesome in some way or another....just my opinion though. Seriously, if you don't like him, then why keep him?

 

[9fishers]

Lightened it a bit.
Thanks, guys!

 

[dmurphy]

correct me if I'm wrong .. but don't many types of urchins feed on corals ?

 

[discusking]

well i would get rid of it, i wouldnt want to risk my corals

 

[ophiura]

It is not likely to feed on corals (and this is flawed as those that are "coral eaters" will eat things like button polyps and such that are in their path, but not big corals), but it might. To be honest, a bit hard to tell from the photo because the animal is so small. Might be a wait and see if it does anything....most urchins do not feed on corals...however, a few do.
Pencil urchins are the non reef safe variety, but I am not sure how common they are as hitch hikers. Most hitch hikers are forms like Echinometra which are 'rock boring' urchins and live in the rock (but are grazers). Most urchins are grazers, and are harmless. They will get larger, however, and can bulldoze improperly secured corals and rocks. This tends to be the biggest problem. IMO, it would be fine, but you may wish to trade it in. I have my bias (and it is for echinoderms ). Seems really tiny though. What kind of rock do you have?

 

[9fishers]

Thanks, Susan. He is small. We have a ton of liverock. He just seems to be grazing right now. However I will probably take him to the fish store. He should have a home where he'll be more appreciated. Thanks for all the responses. This is a great board!!!!