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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Echinodermata, Class: Echinoidea
Range: Indo-Pacific
Size: 3 in. Space:: 50+ gal. Diet: Algae, detritus
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: The Short-spined Urchin is found on rocky reefs. It is an echinoderm that has tube feet for collecting prey. It also has strong jaws for crushing food. Itmay actually dig holes in rock to hide in by day. It forages near the refuge at night, and then returns to its hole at morning.
Husbandry: The Short-spined Urchin will eat hair algae in an aquarium. Its spines are less dangerous than those of the long-spined urchin, Diadema. It prefers high salinity and high tempteratures (36ppt, 82°F).