The Decorator Urchin has five or ten double rows of white and red spines separated by spaces of red, purple, white or black. To camouflage itself, it often covers itself with rocks, sponges, shells, or algae. In addition to camouflage, this provides shade, and in some cases, a food source. These urchins work wonders in aquariums that suffer from filamentous algae infestations, as these urchins consume this undesirable algae rather quickly. It will generally do well in an aquarium if provided with ample hiding places and a large area in which to move. It prefers an aquarium with live rock so that it can graze on algae and it will even eat Caulerpa sp.. If there is insufficient algae for it to graze on, the Decorator Urchin should be fed dried seaweed.
It should be housed with nonaggressive fish and is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications. Poor water conditions will cause it to shed its spines, rapidly decline in health and perish.
It is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium, as it has no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Colour Form: Black, Purple, Red, White
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 23-26° C, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
