URCHIN – PINCUSHION HAIRY / HALLOWEEN Tripneustes gratilla
$29.99 – $49.99
The Hairy Pincushion Urchin, also referred to as the Halloween Urchin or the Collector’s Urchin, has a body covered in hundreds of short, uniform spines that vary in color but are typically red or orange. On average, Hairy pincushion urchins grow to a size of 4″. Hairy pincushion urchins are excellent at controlling algae in a reef aquarium. More of a nocturnal animal, the Hairy pincushion urchin may be seldom active during the day. Hairy pincushion urchins may be seen with pieces of substrate or empty shells on their bodies; this is normal behavior, as the urchin uses these items to aid in camouflage. Long, white string-like appendages may also be seen extending from the body of the Hairy pincushion urchin. These are its tube feet, which aid it in feeding, adhering to surfaces and for locomotion. The Hairy pincushion urchin is safe to handle.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament:Â Peaceful
Reef Compatible:Â Yes
General Description: The Hairy Pincushion Urchin, also referred to as the Halloween Urchin or the Collector’s Urchin, has a body covered in hundreds of short, uniform spines that vary in color but are typically red or orange. On average, Hairy pincushion urchins grow to a size of 4″. Hairy pincushion urchins are excellent at controlling algae in a reef aquarium. More of a nocturnal animal, the Hairy pincushion urchin may be seldomly active during the day. Hairy pincushion urchins may be seen with pieces of substrate or empty shells on their bodies; this is normal behavior, as the urchin uses these items to aid in camouflage. Long, white string-like appendages may also be seen extending from the body of the Hairy pincushion urchin. These are its tube feet, which aid it in feeding, adhering to surfaces and for locomotion. The Hairy pincushion urchin is safe to handle.
Diet Requirements: Hairy pincushion urchins are voracious herbivores. They consume various algae on the live rock, including hair algae. If insufficient algae is present, we recommend supplementing sheet algae to prevent starvation.
Tank Requirements: An established, minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons is recommended to house a smaller Hairy pincushion urchin specimen; as it matures, a larger aquarium may be necessary to accomodate its size. Maintaining stable water parameters is a component to the success of keeping this invertebrate; urchins are intolerable of high nitrates and shedding of its spines is a sign of poor water quality. Generous live rock with some crevices will mimic the Hairy pincushion urchin’s natural environment and give it ample places to graze off of. Loose live rock or corals can be accidentially knocked over by the Hairy pincushion urchin as it moves around. Multiple individuals of Hairy pincushion urchin can be kept together, so long as the aquarium can support it. It is imperative to take time acclimating a Hairy pincushion urchin; we suggest via drip acclimation. Recommended water conditions: 76-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3″ to 4″; Large: 4″ or larger.
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
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