{"product_id":"pincushion-urchin","title":"Pincushion Urchin","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"92\" data-end=\"401\"\u003eMy species\/animal is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"116\" data-end=\"132\"\u003einvertebrate\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cstrong data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"181\"\u003ePincushion Urchin (\u003cem data-start=\"155\" data-end=\"178\"\u003eLytechinus variegatus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"191\" data-end=\"203\"\u003epeaceful\u003c\/strong\u003e species that is \u003cstrong data-start=\"220\" data-end=\"246\"\u003ereef-safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e, admired for its \u003cstrong data-start=\"264\" data-end=\"398\"\u003ecompact, round “pincushion” shape, vibrant green-to-brown coloration, short sturdy spines, and excellent ability to graze on algae\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"403\" data-end=\"735\"\u003eMales typically \u003cstrong data-start=\"419\" data-end=\"521\"\u003ecannot be visually distinguished from females, as this species shows no external sexual dimorphism\u003c\/strong\u003e, while juveniles are \u003cstrong data-start=\"543\" data-end=\"597\"\u003esmaller with lighter coloration and shorter spines\u003c\/strong\u003e. They reach about \u003cstrong data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"661\"\u003e3–4 inches in diameter (including spines)\u003c\/strong\u003e as adults and should be housed in aquariums of at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"718\" data-end=\"732\"\u003e30 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"737\" data-end=\"1109\"\u003eProvide \u003cstrong data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"828\"\u003eample live rock for grazing, a sand or rubble substrate, and secure aquascaping\u003c\/strong\u003e, as they may carry shells, algae, or other debris on their spines for camouflage. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79 °F, pH ~8.1–8.4). While they don’t jump, a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1023\" data-end=\"1037\"\u003esecure lid\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended to prevent them from crawling into overflows or pumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1111\" data-end=\"1540\"\u003eDiet should consist of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1281\"\u003enatural algae growth (film, short hair algae, and microalgae), supplemented with dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, and sinking herbivore pellets\u003c\/strong\u003e. In aquariums with low algae growth, consistent supplementation is necessary to avoid starvation. With proper care, this urchin makes a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1418\" data-end=\"1476\"\u003efunctional and attractive addition to marine aquariums\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing algae control while adding movement and character.\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=\"1111\" data-end=\"1540\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"International Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57476557799727,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0983\/3532\/6511\/files\/205474-768x768-Photoroom.png?v=1777528783","url":"https:\/\/internationalaquatics.com\/products\/pincushion-urchin","provider":"International Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}