Pincushion, Green

My species/animal is an invertebrate: Green Pincushion Urchin (Salmacis sp.). It is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its rounded pincushion-like body, short yet dense green to brown spines, natural camouflage behavior, and effectiveness as an algae grazer.

Males typically cannot be visually distinguished from females, as this species shows no external sexual dimorphism, while juveniles are smaller with paler or less vibrant spine 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 sand or rubble substrate, and secure aquascaping, since they often carry algae, shells, or debris on their spines for protection. 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 filter intakes or overflows.

Diet should consist of natural algae growth (film algae, microalgae, and short hair algae), supplemented with dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, and sinking herbivore pellets. If algae is limited in the tank, regular supplementation is required to keep them healthy. With proper care, this urchin makes a hardy and functional addition to aquariums, offering both algae control and a unique visual appeal.

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.