{"title":"Urchins","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"tuxedo-urchin","title":"Tuxedo Urchin","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eThe Tuxedo Urchin (Mespilia spp.), also known as the Tuxedo Sea Urchin or simply Tuxedo Urchin, is a type of sea urchin that is found in marine environments, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. These sea urchins are well-regarded for their distinctive appearance and their role in maintaining algae growth and substrate health in saltwater aquariums.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere are some key characteristics and information about the Tuxedo Urchin:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tuxedo Urchins are named for their unique coloration, which often resembles a tuxedo. They have a black or dark brown body covered in contrasting white or light-colored bands or spots. These bands or spots give them their distinctive tuxedo-like appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat\u003c\/strong\u003e: These sea urchins are commonly found in shallow coral reefs, rocky substrates, and intertidal zones. They are typically associated with areas rich in algae and seagrass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tuxedo Urchins are herbivores and primarily feed on algae. They use their specialized mouthparts and tube feet to scrape and graze on algae growing on the substrate and rocks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tuxedo Urchins are known for their diligent algae-eating behavior. They can be active grazers, helping to keep algae growth in check and contribute to a cleaner and healthier aquarium.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare\u003c\/strong\u003e: These sea urchins are generally easy to care for in well-maintained marine aquariums. They require a suitable substrate with algae for feeding and proper water quality. Adequate calcium and alkalinity levels are important for their exoskeleton health.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tuxedo Urchins are generally peaceful and compatible with a variety of marine species in a saltwater aquarium. They are often used in reef tanks to help control algae growth and contribute to maintaining water quality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTuxedo Urchins are popular choices for marine aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and their effective algae-eating role. They can help promote a clean and healthy environment in the tank. However, like all marine species, providing them with suitable conditions and a steady source of food is essential for their well-being in captivity.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEasy\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e: Herbivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatible\u003c\/strong\u003e: Yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e: Temnopleuridae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Saltwater Pros Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43780661346544,"sku":"TuxedoUrchin","price":29.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0609\/7482\/5712\/files\/TuxedoUrchin_2.jpg?v=1747749385"},{"product_id":"halloween-urchin","title":"Multicolored Urchin","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-start=\"179\" data-end=\"242\"\u003e🟠 Tripneustes gratilla – Collector Urchin (Halloween Urchin)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"262\"\u003e🔹 Quick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"618\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"263\" data-end=\"338\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"338\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"265\" data-end=\"282\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Collector Urchin, Halloween Urchin, Pincushion Urchin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"386\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"386\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"361\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"362\" data-end=\"384\"\u003eTripneustes gratilla\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"387\" data-end=\"423\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"389\" data-end=\"423\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"389\" data-end=\"404\"\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"424\" data-end=\"484\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"484\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"426\" data-end=\"440\"\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e ✅ Yes (but may move loose frags or rocks)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"546\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"546\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"487\" data-end=\"496\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore – eats algae, detritus, and sea grass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"547\" data-end=\"588\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"549\" data-end=\"588\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"549\" data-end=\"558\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"589\" data-end=\"618\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"618\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"607\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"623\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"625\" data-end=\"653\"\u003e🐚 Why Reefers Love Them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"972\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"658\" data-end=\"678\"\u003eCollector Urchin\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the best natural algae cleaners you can add to your reef system. Known for their bold \u003cstrong data-start=\"775\" data-end=\"812\"\u003eorange and black “Halloween” look\u003c\/strong\u003e, they keep rocks, glass, and sand free of nuisance algae. They’re completely reef safe, but they are strong movers—so make sure corals and frags are secured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"974\" data-end=\"977\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"979\" data-end=\"1003\"\u003e🐠 Care Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1281\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1004\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1006\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1006\" data-end=\"1020\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40 gallons or more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1042\" data-end=\"1133\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1067\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1065\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1070\" data-end=\"1133\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1070\" data-end=\"1087\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1087\"\u003eTemp: 74–78°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1090\" data-end=\"1115\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1115\"\u003eSalinity: 1.024–1.026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1133\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1133\"\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1134\" data-end=\"1212\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1212\"\u003eNeeds a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1144\" data-end=\"1184\"\u003emature tank with plenty of live rock\u003c\/strong\u003e and natural algae growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1213\" data-end=\"1281\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1215\" data-end=\"1281\"\u003eSensitive to sudden changes—\u003cstrong data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1268\"\u003eslow drip acclimation\u003c\/strong\u003e is a must.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1283\" data-end=\"1286\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003e🍃 Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1447\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1303\" data-end=\"1338\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1305\" data-end=\"1338\"\u003eNaturally grazes algae all day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1447\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1341\" data-end=\"1447\"\u003eCan be supplemented with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1366\" data-end=\"1381\"\u003enori sheets\u003c\/strong\u003e or small pieces of algae-based food if your tank is very clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Saltwater Pros Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43795386859760,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0609\/7482\/5712\/files\/MulticolourCollectorUrchin.jpg?v=1747749377"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.saltwaterprosreef.ca\/collections\/urchin.oembed","provider":"Saltwater Pros Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}