Asthenosoma varium

Datasheet

General Description

The Fire urchin, scientifically known as Asthenosoma varium, is a venomous sea creature belonging to the Echinoidea family Asthenosoma. Typically found in the East Indian Ocean, these urchins can grow up to 15.0cm in size.

Aquarium Suitability

Due to their venomous nature and specialized dietary needs, Fire urchins are not considered suitable for home aquariums. They require a tank size of at least 400 liters and prefer water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Fire urchins are considered to have average hardiness and are noted for their effectiveness in consuming various types of algae, including green hair algae and filamentous algae. They must be acclimated slowly to changes in salinity in the aquarium environment.

Reef Suitability

Fire urchins are always reef safe, making them suitable for reef tank setups.

Aquarium Setup

When considering an aquarium setup for Fire urchins, it is essential to provide a well-established tank with ample algae growth, including macroalgae like seaweed or nori and microalgae such as spirulina. Care must be taken to ensure the presence of sufficient algae to prevent potential starvation.

Behaviour

With a peaceful temperament, Fire urchins are generally harmless but possess venom that can cause considerable pain if handled improperly.

Feeding and Diet

These creatures primarily feed on algae types, making them effective algae eaters in aquariums. They consume algae like coralline algae, green hair algae, and filamentous algae to sustain themselves.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat in the East Indian Ocean, Fire urchins thrive in marine environments characterized by moderate water temperatures and suitable algae growth for feeding.