Short-Spined Urchin (Echinometra mathaei)
Invertebrate in the family Echinometridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Diet and feeding
Primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae and detritus. Supplement with dried kelp, macroalgae, and occasional vegetable matter. May consume small encrusting organisms.
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the Indo-Australian Archipelago to Hawaii and French Polynesia.
Keeper notes
• Minimum 30 gallon tank with adequate live rock for grazing and shelter • Temperature range 72–78°F; maintain stable water chemistry with regular water changes • Primarily herbivorous; feeds on turf algae, coralline algae, and detritus • Nocturnal and generally peaceful toward reef inhabitants, but may consume small soft corals or polyps if hungry • Hardy species once acclimated; prone to spine loss and deterioration if water quality or feeding is inadequate
Log Short-Spined Urchin in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Short-Spined Urchin alongside everything else in your reef.
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