Urchin eats coraline?

[jond]

I read some responses to a post on hair algae, and some said that there urchins ate coraline as well. Is this true? I have a small spinny urchin in my 37 and have noticed some white on the rocks. Is it eating the coraline?
Thanks for the input.

 

[andymi]

I think it depends on the type of urchin. I have read this on numerous other boards. Some people recommend them for eating algaes, but coraline consumption means coraline growth. As long as your levels are ok, I think you would be alright.
--Andy

 

[jond]

I have the coraline growth, I don't want it ate up by a silly little urchin. Do urchins eat coraline algae?
Does anyone know?

 

[big dave]

Jond, I hate to tell u but urchins eat every kind of algae but diatom. Its kind of a double bladed sword: yay! no more hair algae!.....noo!!!! dont eat the pretty purple stuff!!! I really love urchins and have one in my 29. So it eats a little coralline whats the big deal? Theyre cool to watch crawl over everything with those tube feet. Personally, keep it theyre cool.

 

[andymi]

Yes they do eat coraline. But with that you will get more coraline growth. What type of urchin exactly is it?
-Andy

 

[dijit]

I agree with the idea of keep the urchin I have noticed it does eat the coraline but it seems to replenish quick enough and it does keep a little of the hair algae down. Keep up your calsium levels and the coraline seems to grow faster. While I have someone's attention are there any other fish or inverts that eat hair algae without killing the rest of my reef? The urchin in my tank is a royal urchin not much to look at till the lights start to dim.

 

[jond]

Lawnmower blennie's will eat hair algae like a machine. They are also cool to watch and reef safe.