Heart Urchin

Urchins have sharp teeth at their center which they use to scrape algae, including coralline algae. They are able to scratch acrylic so are recommended only for glass aquariums. Echinoderms such as urchins are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums for both water stability and sufficient food supply.

This unique urchin has long, hair like spines and spends its days underneath the sand helping to clean and aerate it. It may hide just under the sand surface, which should be at least 3 inches deep, preferably deeper in order to provide enough natural food, which consists mainly of biofilm and microalgae. If it is kept with competing animals, such as its own kind, sand sifting starfish or cucumbers, the aquarium must be large enough to support all animals. It requires a well established aquarium for both water stability and sufficient food supply. It grows up to 6 inches and needs an aquarium at least 50 gallons.