{"product_id":"needle-pincushion-urchin","title":"Needle Pincushion Urchin","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"214\" data-end=\"581\"\u003eThe Needle Pincushion Urchin is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"260\"\u003epeaceful\u003c\/strong\u003e species that is generally considered \u003cstrong data-start=\"298\" data-end=\"324\"\u003ereef-safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e, admired for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"342\" data-end=\"460\"\u003ecompact pincushion-shaped body, dense covering of sharp, needle-like spines, and excellent algae-grazing abilities\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its unique appearance and useful role in controlling algae growth make it a fascinating addition to marine aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"583\" data-end=\"772\"\u003eMales typically \u003cstrong data-start=\"599\" data-end=\"672\"\u003edo not differ from females, as this species is not sexually dimorphic\u003c\/strong\u003e, while \u003cstrong data-start=\"680\" data-end=\"769\"\u003ejuveniles tend to have shorter, lighter-colored spines compared to fully grown adults\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"1120\"\u003eThey reach about \u003cstrong data-start=\"791\" data-end=\"805\"\u003e3–4 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e in size and should be housed in aquariums of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"860\" data-end=\"874\"\u003e30 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e, with plenty of \u003cstrong data-start=\"891\" data-end=\"934\"\u003elive rock for grazing and hiding spaces\u003c\/strong\u003e as well as \u003cstrong data-start=\"946\" data-end=\"966\"\u003ea mature sandbed\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1157\"\u003eMaintain stable water parameters:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1173\"\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.020–1.025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1216\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–79°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1216\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1226\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1238\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eA secure lid is \u003cstrong data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1271\"\u003enot necessary\u003c\/strong\u003e, as urchins are non-jumping invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1529\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1327\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily feeds on \u003cstrong data-start=\"1347\" data-end=\"1379\"\u003ealgae, detritus, and biofilm\u003c\/strong\u003e found naturally on rocks and glass. In tanks with low algae, supplement their diet with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1468\" data-end=\"1526\"\u003edried seaweed (nori), algae wafers, or sinking pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003eWith proper care, the Needle Pincushion Urchin makes a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1620\"\u003eunique and beneficial addition\u003c\/strong\u003e to reef aquariums, serving both as a natural algae controller and as a striking invertebrate centerpiece.\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=\"1531\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"International Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57476656267567,"sku":null,"price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0983\/3532\/6511\/files\/echinostrephusaciculatus2-Photoroom_5f56ffe0-39b4-46d8-9176-7086e6664d75.png?v=1777528938","url":"https:\/\/internationalaquatics.com\/products\/needle-pincushion-urchin","provider":"International Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}