{"product_id":"green-pincushion-urchin","title":"Green Pincushion Urchin","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"432\"\u003eMy species\/animal is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"123\" data-end=\"139\"\u003einvertebrate\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cstrong data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"194\"\u003eGreen Pincushion Urchin (\u003cem data-start=\"168\" data-end=\"191\"\u003eLytechinus variegatus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"204\" data-end=\"216\"\u003epeaceful\u003c\/strong\u003e species that is \u003cstrong data-start=\"233\" data-end=\"259\"\u003ereef-safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e, admired for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"277\" data-end=\"429\"\u003erounded pincushion shape, vibrant green coloration, ability to camouflage itself with shells and debris, and effectiveness as a natural algae grazer\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"764\"\u003eMales typically \u003cstrong data-start=\"450\" data-end=\"552\"\u003ecannot be visually distinguished from females, as this species shows no external sexual dimorphism\u003c\/strong\u003e, while juveniles are \u003cstrong data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"626\"\u003esmaller with paler coloration and shorter spines\u003c\/strong\u003e. They reach about \u003cstrong data-start=\"645\" data-end=\"690\"\u003e3–4 inches in diameter (including spines)\u003c\/strong\u003e as adults and should be housed in aquariums of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"747\" data-end=\"761\"\u003e30 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"766\" data-end=\"1175\"\u003eProvide \u003cstrong data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"878\"\u003eample live rock for grazing, a sand or rubble substrate, and stable aquascaping with hiding crevices\u003c\/strong\u003e, as these urchins may carry small shells or pieces of substrate on their backs. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79 °F, pH ~8.1–8.4). While they do not jump, a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1086\"\u003esecure lid\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended to prevent them from crawling into overflows, pumps, or filter intakes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1177\" data-end=\"1595\"\u003eDiet should consist of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1200\" data-end=\"1353\"\u003enatural algae growth (film algae, short hair algae, and microalgae), supplemented with dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, and sinking herbivore pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e. In low-algae aquariums, supplementation is essential to prevent starvation. With proper care, this urchin makes a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1469\" data-end=\"1521\"\u003efunctional and attractive addition to reef tanks\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping to maintain algae control while adding movement and character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInternational Aquatics Quarantine \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeveral 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1177\" data-end=\"1595\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"International Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57476550557999,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0983\/3532\/6511\/files\/pincushion-urchin-Photoroom.png?v=1777528773","url":"https:\/\/internationalaquatics.com\/products\/green-pincushion-urchin","provider":"International Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}