Black Spiny Urchin

[rwdn]

Has anyone ever heard of these guys (black urchis) dropping all of their spines? I read where they'll do that if water quality is poor but will they do it for any other reason?

[Tarolisol]

Ive only seen it in LFS when the urchin died.

[EmilyB]

It generally is a sign of declining water quality as you say - urchins are rather sensitive to that.

I've heard the long spines can't be out of water, but I don't have anything to back up that statement.

[Cap'n]

I've heard the long spines can't be out of water, but I don't have anything to back up that statement.

I had mine out of the water numerous times when switching tanks, etc., never any problem.

[kari]

My black urchin hitched a ride on live rock. Sorry Deb :biggrin:

[Bryan]

They will also do so if tank temp gets too high.

[EmilyB]

Okay, so that was hearsay then...... :lol:

I know I carry my tuxedos about all the time. Someone (cough, cough) who gave me the urchin told me that :mrgreen:

[monza]

Anyone in Calgary want a big healthy one? Spines are about six inches in length. It was tiny and grew, I moved it to my sump due to knocking stuff down. Now it has been moved to my predator tank and was living happily with my eel . I now have a luna wrasse and dog face puffer and I think it will be dinner soon.

Free to a good home. Just PM if interested.

Dave