{"product_id":"red-pincushion-urchin-echindomarta-sp","title":"Red Pincushion Urchin - Echindomarta sp.","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRed Pincushion Urchin (Echinometra sp.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Red Pincushion Urchin (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinometra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e sp.) is an attractive marine algae grazer recognised by its rounded body and dense covering of red, burgundy or reddish-brown spines. Also sold as a Red-Spined Urchin or Rock-Boring Urchin, it spends much of its time moving across live rock and aquarium surfaces in search of algae, biofilm and organic material. This useful clean-up crew animal can help control nuisance algae in a mature marine aquarium, although it may also remove coralline algae and dislodge unsecured corals or decorations while grazing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed Pincushion Urchin, Red-Spined Urchin, Red Rock-Boring Urchin, Rock-Boring Urchin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinometra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e sp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 8–12 cm across including the spines, depending on the exact species. The hard central test is smaller than the animal’s total visible diameter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecies within the genus \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinometra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e occur across tropical and subtropical marine regions, including the Indo-Pacific, western Indian Ocean, Red Sea, eastern Pacific and tropical Atlantic, depending on the species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey are commonly associated with shallow coral reefs, reef flats, rocky shorelines and rubble zones. Many shelter inside crevices, holes or depressions in rock during the day and emerge more actively in lower light to graze.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 23–27°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: 1.023–1.026 SG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful towards fish and other aquarium animals, but physically disruptive. The Red Pincushion Urchin does not actively attack suitable tank mates, although its strong tube feet and spines can move loose coral pieces, shells, rubble and small decorations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid keeping it with triggerfish, larger puffers, predatory wrasses or other animals known to feed on sea urchins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimarily an algal grazer and scavenger that consumes microalgae, short turf algae, diatoms, biofilm, detritus and organic material growing across rock and aquarium surfaces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn a mature aquarium, much of its diet may come from natural grazing. Supplementary foods can include dried marine algae, nori, sinking herbivore foods and small pieces of algae-based gel food placed close to its normal feeding area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupplementary feeding is especially important in very clean systems or aquariums containing several competing grazers. The urchin may also consume coralline algae as part of its normal feeding behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 100 litres is recommended for a single specimen, provided the aquarium is mature and contains plentiful established rockwork and natural algae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger aquariums are preferable because they provide a broader and more reliable grazing area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsually most active during the evening and at night, although established animals may also graze openly throughout the day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe urchin moves using numerous tube feet positioned between its spines. It may carry small shells, pieces of algae, rubble or other loose material on its body as camouflage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMany \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinometra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e species shelter in rock crevices or excavated depressions. They may gradually scrape calcareous rock while creating or enlarging a preferred retreat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe with Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Red Pincushion Urchin does not normally consume healthy coral tissue and is generally suitable for an established reef aquarium. However, it may scrape coralline algae from rockwork and dislodge unsecured coral pieces, small colonies, shells and decorations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHungry specimens may graze very closely around encrusting corals and other sessile organisms. All corals and rock structures should be securely fixed before introduction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduce only to a mature, fully cycled marine aquarium with stable salinity and sufficient natural algae or biofilm to support regular grazing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSea urchins are sensitive to rapid changes in salinity, temperature and pH. Slow acclimatisation is strongly recommended, and the animal should remain submerged whenever practical during transfer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike other echinoderms, sea urchins are highly sensitive to copper-based medications. Never expose the animal to copper treatments, and avoid sudden changes in water chemistry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide stable live rock containing caves, crevices and shaded resting areas. Secure all corals, small rocks and loose decorations with suitable reef-safe adhesive before adding the urchin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not lift the animal by its spines or pull it away from rock or glass. Use a submerged container when movement is necessary and allow the tube feet to release naturally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA loss of spines, prolonged inactivity, weak attachment or repeated difficulty remaining upright can indicate starvation, poor water quality or severe stress and should be investigated promptly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause the Red Pincushion Urchin trade name may be applied to several red-coloured species, final adult size, spine length, colour and grazing intensity can vary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to intermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the animal you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":46901921841325,"sku":"AG-104156","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46901921874093,"sku":"AG-104157","price":25.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46901921906861,"sku":"AG-104158","price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/RedPincushionUrchin-Echindomartasp..jpg?v=1785071618","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/red-pincushion-urchin-echindomarta-sp","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}