Adding to a New Aquarium

New tanks often lack sufficient algae growth, which can lead to starvation over time.

Not Securing Rockwork

Urchins are surprisingly strong and can dislodge loose corals, frags, and unstable rocks while grazing.

Ignoring Calcium and Alkalinity Levels

Low calcium and unstable water chemistry can affect spine health and overall growth.

Is the Short Spine Urchin reef safe?

Use caution. While they do not typically eat corals, they may knock over unsecured coral frags and can graze desirable coralline algae.

Will a Short Spine Urchin eat nuisance algae?

Yes. They are excellent algae grazers and can help control film algae, hair algae, and other common nuisance algae.

Are Short Spine Urchins venomous?

No. Their spines can still cause minor puncture wounds, so care should be taken when handling them.

How do I know if my Short Spine Urchin is healthy?

Healthy specimens actively graze, have firmly attached spines, respond to touch, and move regularly around the aquarium.

Aquamarine Aquaristic

Short Spine Urchin (Echinometra spp)

Name: Short Spine Urchin (Echinometra spp)
Brand: Aquamarine Aquaristic
SKU: 46551119233270
Price: 45.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$45.00 each

Only 2 available

Short Spine Urchin (Echinometra spp.) Description The Short Spine Urchin is a hardy and beneficial marine invertebrate prized for its algae-grazing abilities and unique appearance. Found throughout tropical reef environments,...

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Description

Short Spine Urchin (Echinometra spp.) Description

The Short Spine Urchin is a hardy and beneficial marine invertebrate prized for its algae-grazing abilities and unique appearance. Found throughout tropical reef environments, these urchins help keep live rock and aquarium surfaces clean by consuming nuisance algae and organic matter. Their compact size makes them a popular choice for reef aquariums, where they contribute to the clean-up crew while adding interesting movement and behaviour. Short Spine Urchins are generally peaceful and spend most of their time grazing across rockwork, glass, and substrate.

Can Send to TAS?	YES
Can Send to WA?	NO

Husbandry

Care guide

Care difficulty

BeginnerModerateExpert

Moderate

Temperament

SkittishPeacefulSemi-agg.Aggressive

Peaceful

Maximum size 10cm

0 cm 15 cm 30 cm

Recommended Stocking

1 Urchin Per 100 liters

Reef safe

Yes

Diet

Short Spine Urchins are herbivorous grazers that feed on: Algae films, Hair algae, Coralline algae, Seaweed sheets (nori), Algae wafers, Detritus

Avoid these pitfalls

Common mistakes to avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls when caring for marine livestock.

New tanks often lack sufficient algae growth, which can lead to starvation over time.
Urchins are surprisingly strong and can dislodge loose corals, frags, and unstable rocks while grazing.
Low calcium and unstable water chemistry can affect spine health and overall growth.

Help centre

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and shipping.

Use caution. While they do not typically eat corals, they may knock over unsecured coral frags and can graze desirable coralline algae.
Yes. They are excellent algae grazers and can help control film algae, hair algae, and other common nuisance algae.
No. Their spines can still cause minor puncture wounds, so care should be taken when handling them.
Healthy specimens actively graze, have firmly attached spines, respond to touch, and move regularly around the aquarium.
Yes.
No.