Needle Spine Urchin

Care Summary

The Needle Spine Urchin is a critical Caribbean reef grazer with exceptionally long, razor-sharp black spines that make it one of the most effective algae controllers available to hobbyists. It does best in established tanks with a decent algae load, good flow, and open substrate to roam, and it is compatible with most reef inhabitants as long as they don't bother its spines. Those spines are the main hazard in this hobby context. They are fragile, venomous, and can easily puncture skin or damage other tank inhabitants that stray too close, so placement and handling require real care. Supplement with nori or dried seaweed when the tank's natural algae supply runs low, and avoid keeping it with triggerfish or puffers that will make a meal of it.