Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Tuxedo Urchin comes in two variations: the Blue Tuxedo Urchin, with broad bands that are blue to black in color in between bands of extremely fine spines that are generally beige, and the Red Tuxedo Urchin, with broad bands that are typically more blue in between bands of extremely fine spines that are red. Tuxedo urchins grow to a size of 3″, making them a more sought after urchin species for their compact size. Tuxedo urchins are excellent at controlling algae in a reef aquarium. More of a nocturnal animal, the Tuxedo urchin will seldom be active during the day as it hides among live rock. Tuxedo 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. The Tuxedo urchin is safe to handle.

Diet Requirements: Tuxedo 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 Tuxedo urchin. 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 Tuxedo urchin’s natural environment and give it ample places to graze off of. Loose corals can be accidentally knocked over by the Tuxedo urchin as it moves around. Multiple individuals of Tuxedo urchin can be kept together, so long as the aquarium can support it. It is imperative to take time acclimating a Tuxedo 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: 1-1/2″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″

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.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via FedEx Priority 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 is automatically applied to your total. 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 sign for 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 & 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 FedEx priority 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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