longspine urchin - large

[scooters reef]

Anyone want one?

Is GREAT at destroying bryopsis and hair algae, and terrible at knocking over frags or bulldozing anything in it's way. Is also a nice conversation piece when friends stop over and say "Look at the pretty orange eye!!

Have had it for about 4 years now, starting in a 55 and now too big really even for the 200. Hate to admit it, but have clipped it a couple times Not sure if it was good for him, but didn't seem to hurt him, and worked as well. Actually, it started by accident trying to get him out. Later, I recalled getting the spins under my nails when making reef exits diving in Hawaii and figured the surf did at least that much.

He needs to go though. Anyone setting up a new system that needs a moving stomach or that has a bryopsis problem?

 

[RCS]

In a couple of weeks or so, once I get everything moved and set up I'd be interested in taking it off your hands. I have a breeding trio of Banggai cardinals that I'm sure would love to call it home, or at least the fry will.

 

[scooters reef]

Any update?

Darn thing is still in the tank, and bulldozed, ummm, everything.

 

[scooters reef]

Someone around here has to have a big FOWLR that needs a perfect algae eater! Even eats bryopsis!

Although, I have no clue how I'd get it out of the tank at the moment.

 

[scooters reef]

He was on the front just now, so I managed to measure. Is 13 inches from "tip to tip" for the majority. Furthest reach tip to tip is 16 inches.

 

[scooters reef]

And it makes me wonder, how does the darn thing get down into little corners where I can't see him?

 

[kass03]

Dang thats BIG scooter. I wouldnt mind one in my 150 cuz I don't keep much for corals in there but thats a monster.
I used to have some that grew from tiny babies from hitchhikers on my rock but they died after a few yrs.
I really should hold off with inverts till I get the nitrates lower anyway although I'm amazed that my serpents and some brittle stars and asterinas are alive in there. Plus I saw my Jumbo nassarius snails I got over a yr ago the other day.

How big is the body?

kass

 

[RCS]

I've been slacking a little with getting things set up. I'm going to try and have my display set up this weekend, so I may have some room shortly. I'll let you know...

 

[scooters reef]

Ok

LOL, should be interesting trying to remove him.

 

[RCS]

18g Rubbermaid.

 

[scooters reef]

LOL

Yep. Except it would be nice to scoot him into the rubbermaid for removal, but I don't think the rubbermaid would fit through my access holes Will have to pull the same trick as when I've moved him before: wear gloves, pester him from one side so his spines all move, then slip under him from the other side.

I still haven't measured his actual body because he's been on the back all day. We've had him for almost 5 years, and he even survived the 55 in the basement with no back wall or heat we went through when we moved in and the walkout wasn't done yet. LOL, had every tank heater I could scrounge in there to keep the tank close to 78 when sitting in a room at 38.

Even his body is large, but most of it is just the unrestricted spine growth.