My tuxedo urchin is loosing its spines.

[John-Solo]

Hi, Iv had a Tuxedo urchin in my tank for about 3 months as part of the clean up crew and he's been doing a great job.  I came home from work this morning and saw a bunch of its spines on the bottom of the tank. it looks like he's still moving around and cleaning the glass so I don't know if he's sick or not. should I put some extra food in for it or is this a normal thing for them? 

 

Thanks!

[L8 2 RISE]

Not normal in my experience unless they broke off... Do you have other inverts in the tank? More details about the tank/water chemistry? How big is the tank?

[John-Solo]

29gal bio cube. Tank has been up and running with fish for about 6 months. Salt: 1.024, Nitrites: 0, ammonia: 0, PH 8.4. I do weekly 10% water changes I have 2 turbo snails, 3 nassarius snails, about 10 hermit crabs, 1 conch.

 

 

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[John-Solo]

I also dose the tank with Kent nano reef part A & B every other day. All corals and live stock are looking great.

 

 

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[L8 2 RISE]

Losing spines is not a good sign. From the description you gave, the only thing I can think of is there may not be enough food in that size tank. Maybe try nori

 

 

It could just be something you cant control though

Edited December 21, 2015 by L8 2 RISE

[John-Solo]

Thanks. I went and got some Nori and he gobbled it up. I'm going to hand freed him for a while and hopefully I'm not to late.

 

 

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