Description
Red Pencil Urchin (Heterocentrotus mammillatus / Red Pencil Sea Urchin)
A bold and highly distinctive marine invertebrate, the Red Pencil Urchin is known for its thick, blunt, “pencil-like” spines in deep red, brown, or maroon tones. It is a strong algae grazer and an excellent addition to larger, mature marine aquariums.
Compatibility:
Peaceful. Generally safe with all non-predatory fish such as clownfish, tangs, wrasses, gobies, and blennies. Care should be taken with highly active or boisterous fish that may knock it over or stress it.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef-safe. Harmless to corals and most invertebrates. Excellent natural algae control, though it may graze heavily on coralline algae.
Diet:
Herbivore – feeds primarily on algae, including film algae and coralline algae. May require supplemental feeding in very clean systems, such as algae sheets or dried seaweed.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Minimum Tank Size: 150L
Care Level:
Moderate – hardy once established but requires a mature aquarium with stable water conditions and sufficient algae growth. Sensitive to poor water quality and sudden parameter changes.
Top Tip:
Ensure stable rockwork, as urchins can dislodge loose décor while grazing. Supplement feeding in low-algae systems to maintain long-term health and prevent starvation.
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