Pencil Urchin
Pencil urchins are not reef safe because they will eat a variety of corals including soft, LPS, and SPS. Even if they are provided a lot of algae to eat, they will still consume most corals that they come in contact with. These urchins will need at least a 30 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They do not tolerate high levels of copper, and they do not thrive in tanks with high nitrate levels. They are peaceful and fun to watch, but you are taking a risk if you add them to a tank with corals in it.
- Scientific Name: Eucidaris tribuloides
- Family: Not specified
- Origin: Caribbean and Fiji
- Shipping Size: Not specified
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Reef Safe | No |
| Minimum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Preferred Environment | Live rock, low copper, low nitrate |
| Behavior | Peaceful, active grazers |
FAQ
Are pencil urchins safe to keep with corals?
No, pencil urchins are not reef safe. They will eat a variety of corals, including soft, LPS, and SPS, even when provided with algae.
What is the minimum tank size recommended for a pencil urchin?
A minimum of 30 gallons is required, with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing.
Do pencil urchins tolerate high levels of copper or nitrate?
No, they do not tolerate high levels of copper and do not thrive in tanks with high nitrate levels.
Alexander Morgan –
I kept a pencil urchin in a 30-gallon tank with plenty of live rock. It’s peaceful and active, spending most of its time grazing on algae. I didn’t have corals, so it’s safe for my setup. The animal is curious and adds visual interest to the tank.
Alexander MacDonald –
The urchin arrived healthy and settled in quickly. I’m not keeping corals, so it’s fine. I noticed it occasionally touches the rock, but I haven’t seen any coral damage. It’s a good choice for a non-reef tank.
Maria Kelly –
Great addition to my tank. It’s calm and always moving around. I’ve been monitoring water parameters closely—low nitrate and no copper—and it’s doing well. I’d recommend it for saltwater enthusiasts without coral.