Tuxedo Urchin Question

[figdish]

I have a tuxedo urchin and I have large cleaner shrimp. The shrimp shed overnight and the abandoned carcasses are attached to the back of the urchin. Should I remove from urchin, will it do any damage to him or just leave it? Any and all ideas appreciated thanks in advance.

[soapy]

Just leave it, that is normal. The tuxedo urchin has sticky tentacles that pick things up in its travels. You will see all manner of things going for a ride on its back.

[FitoPharmer]

Personally I take them out. I find larger molts to create quite a bit of clutter in the tank that I have to clean out later. So if I can scoop it all out in once piece I jump at the chance. It will not hurt anything by staying in the tank or attached to your urchin though. That was my favorite part of urchins in pet store, they found all the junk and plastic that should not be in the tank for you. Then you just gently remove it from their tentacles.

[figdish]

Thanks for the responses, I know the urchin gets things attached to his back I was just concerned as he looks like he has 2 whole shrimp attached.

[jagermaier]

Urchins use this as camouflage to help blend into their environment