Pincushion, Green

Species/Animal: (Invertebrates) Pincushion, Green (Salmacis sp.)

The Green Pincushion Urchin is a peaceful species that is generally considered reef-safe with caution, admired for its rounded pincushion-like body, vibrant green coloration, and dense covering of short, blunt spines. This urchin is not only eye-catching but also highly valued for its role as a natural algae grazer, helping to maintain a clean reef environment.

Males typically show no visible differences from females, as the species is not sexually dimorphic, while juveniles tend to be smaller with proportionally thinner and lighter spines that darken as they mature.

They reach about 3–4 inches in size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons, with ample live rock for grazing, open sandy areas for movement, and stable aquascaping, since they can dislodge unsecured rocks and corals while foraging.

Maintain stable water parameters:

• Salinity: 1.020–1.025

• Temperature: 72–79°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

A secure lid is not required, as urchins do not jump, but they may climb glass and move objects around the tank.

Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on microalgae, coralline algae, and detritus. In tanks with low algae growth, their diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed (nori), algae wafers, or sinking pellets to maintain proper nutrition.

With proper care, the Green Pincushion Urchin is a hardy, attractive, and useful addition to reef aquariums, both as a functional algae grazer and as a unique invertebrate centerpiece.

Species/Animal: (Invertebrates) Pincushion, Green (Salmacis sp.)

The Green Pincushion Urchin is a peaceful species that is generally considered reef-safe with caution, admired for its rounded pincushion-like body, vibrant green coloration, and dense covering of short, blunt spines. This urchin is not only eye-catching but also highly valued for its role as a natural algae grazer, helping to maintain a clean reef environment.

Males typically show no visible differences from females, as the species is not sexually dimorphic, while juveniles tend to be smaller with proportionally thinner and lighter spines that darken as they mature.

They reach about 3–4 inches in size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons, with ample live rock for grazing, open sandy areas for movement, and stable aquascaping, since they can dislodge unsecured rocks and corals while foraging.

Maintain stable water parameters:

• Salinity: 1.020–1.025

• Temperature: 72–79°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

A secure lid is not required, as urchins do not jump, but they may climb glass and move objects around the tank.

Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on microalgae, coralline algae, and detritus. In tanks with low algae growth, their diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed (nori), algae wafers, or sinking pellets to maintain proper nutrition.

With proper care, the Green Pincushion Urchin is a hardy, attractive, and useful addition to reef aquariums, both as a functional algae grazer and as a unique invertebrate centerpiece.

algae, etc.], and with proper care this fish makes a standout addition to the aquarium.

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.