International Aquatics
Needle Pincushion Urchin
Needle Pincushion Urchin
🛡️ 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. For size preference please add a note on your order and we will match your fish to your requested size. If you just want the fish without our QT process, Please email us directly with your order number. Please note this does waive the 15 day guarantee.
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The Needle Pincushion Urchin is a peaceful species that is generally considered reef-safe with caution, admired for its compact pincushion-shaped body, dense covering of sharp, needle-like spines, and excellent algae-grazing abilities. Its unique appearance and useful role in controlling algae growth make it a fascinating addition to marine aquariums.
Males typically do not differ from females, as this species is not sexually dimorphic, while juveniles tend to have shorter, lighter-colored spines compared to fully grown adults.
They reach about 3–4 inches in size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons, with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding spaces as well as a mature sandbed to support their natural feeding habits. Care should be taken to secure the aquascape, as urchins are strong enough to topple loose rocks while moving.
Maintain stable water parameters:
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
Temperature: 72–79°F
pH: 8.1–8.4
A secure lid is not necessary, as urchins are non-jumping invertebrates.
Diet: Primarily feeds on algae, detritus, and biofilm found naturally on rocks and glass. In tanks with low algae, supplement their diet with dried seaweed (nori), algae wafers, or sinking pellets.
With proper care, the Needle Pincushion Urchin makes a unique and beneficial addition to reef aquariums, serving both as a natural algae controller and as a striking invertebrate centerpiece.
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.
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