Sea Eggs
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
These large urchins can be destructive in a crowded reef tank. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
These large urchins have a flattened spherical shape. The spines are relatively small, compared to the size of the body, about 0.4 in. (1 cm) long. They carry bits of debris, detritus, and shells over their surface, probably as camouflage.
Family: Toxopneustidae
Other common name(s):
- Collector Sea Urchin
Native range:
Habitat: These are creatures of seagrass beds, and will do well in an aquarium with a large expanse of open sand and planted seagrasses.
Maximum length: 10 cm (4 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Lighting: Immaterial.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Primarily herbivorous; forage on detritus and will take meaty foods.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Not suitable for reef tanks. They may be predatory on sessile animals.
[edit] Special Care
Need seagrass debris and a sand bed for good health. Care needs to be taken to ensure the proper, full-strength (36 ppt) salinity and normal reef temperatures of 82˚F (28°C).
[edit] Notes
In a crowded reef tank, these urchins may be destructive, as they are large and capable of significantly remodeling the landscape.
| Common name | Sea Eggs +, and Collector Sea Urchin + |
| Family | Toxopneustidae + |
| Genus | Tripneustes + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Lighting | Immaterial. + |
| Maximum length | 4 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 100 gal + |
| Native range | Caribbean + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | spp. + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |