{"product_id":"pencil-urchin","title":"Pencil Urchin","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"564\"\u003eThe Pencil Urchin is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"209\" data-end=\"228\"\u003esemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e species that is \u003cstrong data-start=\"245\" data-end=\"271\"\u003ereef-safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e, admired for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"425\"\u003ethick, blunt spines that resemble pencils, unique radial symmetry, and ability to add unusual texture and movement to reef aquariums\u003c\/strong\u003e. While hardy and striking, they may occasionally knock over loose corals or rocks while foraging, so aquascaping stability is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"779\"\u003eMales typically \u003cstrong data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"676\"\u003edo not display external differences from females, as the species is not sexually dimorphic\u003c\/strong\u003e, while \u003cstrong data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"776\"\u003ejuveniles are smaller with proportionally thinner spines and may have lighter coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"781\" data-end=\"1018\"\u003eThey reach about \u003cstrong data-start=\"798\" data-end=\"812\"\u003e3–5 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e in size and should be housed in aquariums of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"867\" data-end=\"881\"\u003e50 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"936\"\u003eample live rock for grazing and hiding spots\u003c\/strong\u003e, as well as \u003cstrong data-start=\"949\" data-end=\"980\"\u003ea sandy or rubble substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e to mimic their natural environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1020\" data-end=\"1055\"\u003eMaintain stable water parameters:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1134\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1085\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1085\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1071\"\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.020–1.025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1114\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1088\" data-end=\"1114\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1088\" data-end=\"1104\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–79°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1115\" data-end=\"1134\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1134\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1124\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1287\"\u003eA secure lid is \u003cstrong data-start=\"1152\" data-end=\"1169\"\u003enot necessary\u003c\/strong\u003e, as Pencil Urchins are not jumpers, but tank rockwork should be secured since their movements can dislodge objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1289\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1289\" data-end=\"1298\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous. They feed on \u003cstrong data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1356\"\u003ealgae, biofilm, and detritus\u003c\/strong\u003e, but may also consume \u003cstrong data-start=\"1379\" data-end=\"1438\"\u003esponges, sessile invertebrates, and occasionally corals\u003c\/strong\u003e. In aquariums, supplemental feeding with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1573\"\u003edried seaweed (nori), macroalgae, sinking pellets, or small meaty foods like mysis shrimp\u003c\/strong\u003e can help sustain them, especially in newer or lower-nutrient systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1647\" data-end=\"1837\"\u003eWith proper care, the Pencil Urchin makes a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1691\" data-end=\"1740\"\u003ehardy, unique, and visually striking addition\u003c\/strong\u003e to aquariums, though best kept in systems where delicate corals and frags are securely placed.\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=\"1647\" data-end=\"1837\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"International Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57476670357807,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0983\/3532\/6511\/files\/heterocentrotus_sp-Photoroom.png?v=1777528960","url":"https:\/\/internationalaquatics.com\/products\/pencil-urchin","provider":"International Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}