Black Spiny Urchin
 

Has anyone ever heard of these guys (black urchis) dropping all of their spines? I read where they'll do that if water quality is poor but will they do it for any other reason?

Ive only seen it in LFS when the urchin died.

It generally is a sign of declining water quality as you say - urchins are rather sensitive to that.

I've heard the long spines can't be out of water, but I don't have anything to back up that statement.

I had mine out of the water numerous times when switching tanks, etc., never any problem.

My black urchin hitched a ride on live rock. Sorry Deb :biggrin:

They will also do so if tank temp gets too high.

Okay, so that was hearsay then...... :lol:

I know I carry my tuxedos about all the time. Someone (cough, cough) who gave me the urchin told me that :mrgreen:

Anyone in Calgary want a big healthy one? Spines are about six inches in length. It was tiny and grew, I moved it to my sump due to knocking stuff down. Now it has been moved to my predator tank and was living happily with my eel . I now have a luna wrasse and dog face puffer and I think it will be dinner soon.

Free to a good home. Just PM if interested.

Dave