Flower Urchin

Care Summary

The Flower Urchin is arguably the most dangerous invertebrate in the marine aquarium hobby, with pedicellariae that deliver a powerful venom capable of causing extreme pain, paralysis, and in rare cases fatal reactions in humans. Despite its striking floral appearance with white and purple petal-like structures across its surface, this is not a display animal we recommend to most hobbyists due to the serious safety risk it poses during tank maintenance. It grazes on algae and is not reef safe because it will also consume encrusting organisms, and its semi-aggressive nature means it actively uses its venomous pedicellariae in defense against tank inhabitants. If you are experienced and committed to keeping one, use thick gloves during any tank work, never allow skin contact, and ensure it is clearly labeled so no one unfamiliar with it reaches into the tank.