Red Bell’s Urchin – Salmacis belli

The Red Bells Urchin is a small, eye-catching saltwater invertebrate known for its round shape and reddish underside. This peaceful urchin is valued for its algae-eating abilities and can be a helpful addition to the cleanup crew.

Description:

Common Name: Red Bells Urchin

Scientific Name: Salmacis belli

Family: Temnopleuridae

Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful

Difficulty: Easy

Reef Safe: With caution

Native Region:

Red Bells Urchins are native to the Indo-Pacific, typically found in shallow reefs and rocky coastal habitats where they graze on algae and biofilm.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons

Temperature: 74-80F (23-27C)

pH: 8.0-8.4

Salinity: 1.023-1.025

Substrate: Live rock for grazing and shelter.

Additional Tips:

Algae Control: Helps manage nuisance algae on live rock and tank surfaces.

Movement: May dislodge loose corals or decorations while roaming; secure frags properly.

Compatibility: Peaceful and generally safe with most tank mates, though may consume soft corals without sufficient algae.

Diet: Herbivorous; feeds on algae, biofilm, and can be supplemented with dried seaweed if necessary.