Identify my Urchin?

[Fishfish0001]

Hi all.

I went shopping today to find a replacement Urchin for my one that died due to a sudden and rapid tank cooling due to heater failure.

My LFS didn't have any Tuxedo Urchins which were the ones I was looking for, but they had a nice small pure white one that was really active and good looking.

They didn't even know they actually had it, and couldn't find out what it was, but they said it was reef safe as it was in with all of their other corals.

Im thinking it is a Pincushin Urchin, but wanted to make sure that it actually was. I don't have a picture, since the lights are all off right now.

Its about 1.5" in diameter, 1.5cm spines, tons of them, and is pure white. Any ideas?

 

[LeslieH]

Many urchins are white. When you get a picture we can try to id it.

 

[Fishfish0001]

Here are some pictures:

It's a very good eater I must say. First time I;ve seen the white on my magnet in quite while.

 

[Joe Pusdesris]

Looks like Lytechinus variegatus to me, commonly referred to as pin cushion urchin. It is from the Atlantic and the Florida aquacultured rock vendors usually sell them. They do a great job getting rid of Coralline and other calcareous algae.

The one I had would tear bubble algae off the rock and eat it occasionally, but not enough to really control it.

 

[tgirl6868]

Nice clear picture. It looks like mine but mine is pink and green with purple tips. I call it my decorator sea urchin. He picks up rocks with his feelers and would carry them around until he found something else to carry. I have even seen him with one of my hermit crabs on his back. I had to remove him, I felt badly for the hermit. He is like a sea excavator he eats what is in front of him while leaving a path where he has been.

Tamara
>>))):>

 

[hayes_101]

I have a royal urchin that is always bugging hermits and steels my thermometer in fact he broke one just a few days ago!

 

[Fishfish0001]

Mine is a veracious algae eater Cleared half of my back wal so far, and loves the heater. Munches his way over and sits on it while its on

He's eaten so Coraline on my rocks, and its very white now, but I don't mind. I think They are pretty cute. Hasn't picked up anything... yet.

Is it ok to change the water while he is near the top of the tank? Or should I move him down some?