Any experiences with pincushion urchins out there?

[Yachaq]

Hi all,

I an thinking in adding a pincushion urchin to the DT to help with some hair algae issues and to add diversity to the system. In particular, I am looking at the Lytechinus variegatus from ORA (https://www.algaebarn.com/shop/captive-bred/invertebrates/urchins/pincushion-urchin/). Both breeder and seller say they are reef safe, but an article from Reef Keepers magazine (http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-11/rs/index.php) lists the species as undesirable for home aquaria due to its size.

Any thoughts out there?

 

[mogurnda]

I had one for many years, and it was an excellent grazer.  Two problems with that species: 

• They decorate themselves with anything that is not glued down.  This can include your favorite frags.  
• They bulldoze.

If your frags are secure, they are fun to watch carrying around pieces of reef rubble.

 

Echinometra species (like rock-boring urchins) are better about knocking things over, and don't carry stuff around.