Echinometra sp.

Datasheet

General Description

The Shortspine Urchin, also known as the Rock Burrowing Urchin, is a species belonging to the Echinometridae family. It features an oval to round black body covered with numerous reddish-orange spines. Typically found in the back reef, this night-dwelling algae cleaner has a unique habit of burrowing small niches in carbonatic rocks, such as dead corals, to conceal itself.

Aquarium Suitability

The Shortspine Urchin is deemed suitable for aquariums due to its ease of care. It requires ample hiding spots and enough room to forage within the tank. The ideal setup includes large amounts of live rock for grazing and stable rock formations that can withstand the burrowing behavior of the Urchin. While generally solitary, this species can coexist with others of its kind.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species of Urchin is considered easy to care for in captivity. It is vital to provide hiding places and adequate grazing areas, as well as ensure stable water conditions. Shortspine Urchins are sensitive to high copper-based medications and do not tolerate high nitrate levels. Maintaining good water quality is essential to prevent spines loss.

Reef Suitability

The Shortspine Urchin is deemed reef-compatible, making it a suitable addition to reef aquariums. Its herbivorous diet and peaceful temperament make it a beneficial cleaner within a reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

To create an optimal environment for the Shortspine Urchin, the aquarium should be equipped with a minimum tank size of 75 litres. The water conditions should have a pH ranging from 8.1 to 8.4, a KH level between 8 and 12, and a specific gravity of 1.023 to 1.025. Incorporating stable rock formations and ample live rock for grazing is crucial for the well-being of this species.

Behaviour

Shortspine Urchins are primarily nocturnal creatures, typically hiding in caves or burrowing in substrates during the day. At night, they emerge to graze on algae, utilizing their suctorial podia aligned in five doubled rows for movement. Their peaceful temperament allows them to coexist with other Urchins of the same species.

Feeding and Diet

As herbivores, Shortspine Urchins primarily feed on algae. In the absence of sufficient algae for grazing, their diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed to ensure proper nutrition and health maintenance.

Dimorphism

The Shortspine Urchin can reach a maximum size of 7.6 cm. This species, Echinometra sp., showcases color dimorphism with a black body and reddish-orange spines.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Shortspine Urchins are typically found in the back reef. They exhibit a unique behavior of burrowing small niches in carbonatic rocks, serving as camouflage and hiding spots. Echinometra sp. species have a distribution that spans suitable tropical marine environments.