Carrier Urchin Training

[Brian Prestwood]

My tank is 2.5' tall and 1.5' wide so getting to the bottom to pick up loose things (like loose scumbag valonia (they must all die)) isn't easy.

Fortunately, my carrier urchin has volunteered to help. He/she/it picks it up and carries it up to the top of the rock work where I remove it. This morning he/she/it was kind enough to bring up that loose piece of pom pom xenia that was floating around.

Anyone know where I can buy carrier urchin treats

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

That is soo cool. I never heard of Carrier Urchins before, but did a search and they seem really neat. Is it "known" or suspected why they pick stuff up? I couldn't find anything on the topic.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

I've always heard they carried stuff for camoflauge. It does make them harder to see in the wild.

I should mention that the urchin doesn't drop the stuff off at the top of the rockwork. I have to pick the urchin up and remove the stuff it carried up.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8579125#post8579125 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Brian Prestwood
I should mention that the urchin doesn't drop the stuff off at the top of the rockwork. I have to pick the urchin up and remove the stuff it carried up.

That must be the part of the training that is in your title

 

[bkmorris]

i've heard they respond well to a series of special whistles and/or hand signals along with positive reinforcement.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

 

[wombat2]

Well if you want to reward it you could always inject it with a solution of potassium chloride. It causes sea urchins to instantly spawn.

 

[Brian Prestwood]

"He follows me around enough already"

Never thought I have an opportunity to use that quote.

 

[Sk8r]

Mine has got an asterina this morning---stuck to the nori clip he will go to any lengths to keep in his possession.

 

[Sparkss]

ours definitely picks up any "scraps" laying around the tank

 

[MrsLizard]

Hey Brian,

This may be a bit off topic, but I was wondering if you have any recent pics of the 160. I bet it's beautiful!!

And it was great to see you on Friday!!

 

[Brian Prestwood]

Hey Krista

It is starting to look pretty good. I think I finally have the valonia (pest algae) on the run.

My digital camera is broke but Larry Robison (remember him?) is going to bring his new Canon Rebel over this weekend to take some new pics. Expect updates soon.

It was good to see you and Steve too. I'm glad to hear things are going well.

 

[Avalanche Wolf]

That is pretty cool !