Blue Tuxedo Urchin

My species/animal is an invertebrate: Blue Tuxedo Urchin (Mespilia globulus). It is a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its brilliant alternating bands of deep blue and black across its body, compact pincushion shape, algae-grazing abilities, and tendency to camouflage itself by carrying shells, rocks, or bits of algae on its spines.

Males typically cannot be visually distinguished from females, as this species shows no external sexual dimorphism, while juveniles are smaller, with less vivid coloration and shorter spines. They reach about 3–4 inches in diameter (including spines) as adults and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons.

Provide ample live rock for grazing, a stable sand or rubble substrate, and secure aquascaping, since they may carry small objects on their spines. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79 °F, pH ~8.1–8.4). While they do not jump, a secure lid is recommended to prevent them from crawling into overflows or filter intakes.

Diet should consist of natural algae growth (film and short hair algae), supplemented with dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, and sinking herbivore pellets. If algae is insufficient in the aquarium, regular supplementation is important to prevent starvation. With proper care, this urchin makes a vibrant, hardy, and functional addition to reef aquariums, helping to control algae while standing out as a living jewel.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.