Long spine urchin

Discussion in 'Inverts' started by newguy420, Sep 2, 2010.

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  1. newguy420

    newguy420 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2010
    Messages:
    287
    Location:
    Springfield, MA
    I had heard about long spine urchins wreaking havoc on an established tank when it comes to coraline etc. My rocks are bare for sure. My question is more about other things in my tank. Are they also known to eat zoas and gsp etc? I have no parameter issues and everything thrives. I've just lost tons of zoas and gsp and also a Duncan I purchased is no more also. When I move my tAnk over in the next few weeks, should my urchin make it's way back to the lfs?
     
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  3. Turtleswamp

    Turtleswamp Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2010
    Messages:
    7
    My long spine completely cleaned the rock one one of my frags is attached to of coraline (was a deep green and purple when I went to bed and moon-rock white the next morning) without harming a single pollip. So I'm inclined to say they woulnt eat your corals. However I'm new to the hobby and have only had this guy for a couple of weeks. I can't say for sure that they'll never be a problem.
     
  4. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
    Messages:
    4,780
    Urchins don't usually eat coral, but anything not glued down might be picked up on its back and moved. They can push apart rocks, so your stuff kinda needs to be held together well. They're very strong for their size. They definitely eat coralline, along with any other algae.

    I'm reading some stuff about a few urchins that have eaten softies.

    They have a special mouth structure that makes them one of the only animals able to eat coralline, btw.