Pencil Urchin – Eucidaris tribuloides

Pencil Urchins are named for their thick, blunt spines which somewhat resemble a pencil. Overall they display brown and tan coloration with bands of light and dark on the spines. As with most urchins, they are voracious algae eaters in the home aquarium, often leaving rocks looking pristinely clean. They are not a reef safe species. As an opportunistic eater, they’ll consume almost any living matter found on a rock.

Care

Pencil Urchins grow to a size of about 5″, and should be provided with plenty of rock for grazing and hiding. When handling, it’s important not to force them out of a crevice, as their brittle bodies and spines are prone to breaking when handled roughly.Like other invertebrates, they’reintolerant of copper and rapid changes in water chemistry. Care should be taken to slowly drip acclimate them.

Diet

Pencil Urchins generally thrive foraging on algae in the aquarium, but may be supplemented with dried nori algae.