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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Echinodermata, Class: Echinoidea
Range: Tropical Oceans
Size: 3 in. Space:: 50+ gal. Diet: Algae, coral polyps
Reef Safe: Caution Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: Tuxedo Urchins are urchins that use tube feet to move, grasp food, and feed. They have very hard 'teeth' with which they graze rock and sand to find their food. They carry small bits of algae and debris on their body to apparently camouflage themselves from predators.
Husbandry: Tuxedo Urchins are effective at cleaning the sand bed and rock of an aquarium. An aquarium that is high in algae, including diatoms, is likely beneficial to this species. This species is reported to benefit from warmer temperatures (82°F) and higher salinity (36ppt).