Purple/Pink Hairy Urchin

Species/Animal: (Invertebrates) Purple/Pink Hairy Urchin (Pseudoboletia maculata)

The Purple/Pink Hairy Urchin is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its brilliant purple to pink coloration, distinctive hairy appearance from its long spines, and its ability to graze algae and clean the reef environment. Its striking colors and unusual “hairy” texture make it a true showpiece in any marine aquarium.

Males typically do not differ visually from females, as the species is not sexually dimorphic, while juveniles are smaller and often display lighter, less intense coloration with proportionally shorter spines that grow denser as they mature.

They reach about 3–4 inches in size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 40 gallons, with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding spaces, as well as stable aquascaping to prevent dislodging of rocks or coral frags as they move around.

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 are non-jumpers, but they are mobile and may climb glass or move loose decorations.

Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on microalgae, coralline algae, detritus, and biofilm. In aquariums with low algae, supplement their diet with dried seaweed (nori), macroalgae, algae wafers, or sinking pellets. They may also accept small meaty foods such as mysis or brine shrimp, though plant-based food sources should be their main diet.

With proper care, the Purple/Pink Hairy Urchin makes a unique, colorful, and functional addition to reef aquariums, serving as both an algae grazer and a vibrant display invertebrate.

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.