shingle or helmet urchin

[atraperegrinus]

Anyone know definitively what these eat, and where to get one? The only source I seen for them is long closed. I'd really love to try one.

I've also seen conflicting info on reef safe or not.

Thanks guys!

 

[Calappidae]

I've never seen them besides hitchhiking, but from what I know they're coral eaters. A more predatory pencil urchin in terms of diet, will eat coraline, algea, stoney corals, and polyps.

 

[atraperegrinus]

I've never seen them besides hitchhiking, but from what I know they're coral eaters. A more predatory pencil urchin in terms of diet, will eat coraline, algea, stoney corals, and polyps.

Yeah see, some of the info people were saying coral eaters, but then theres a few other people saying the opposite, there hasn't been a definitive YES coral eaters for sure.

open to info and opinions, would love to see some definitive information on them if anyone can find anything. I havnt had much luck, most of it ive seen is word of mouth only.

 

[atraperegrinus]

anyone else know anything about these?!

 

[atraperegrinus]

just a bump, still in search of one of these or for more info.

havn't had much luck.

 

[atraperegrinus]

still looking for info on these, or where to get one.

 

[Ron Reefman]

From the infamous source of Wikipedia:
This urchin is usually found on substrates fully exposed to waves and their associated abrasive effect, often in groups. It feeds on periwinkles, other urchins and coralline algae.

Here is a link to a quality source that is local to this urchin:
http://www.waikikiaquarium.org/experience/animal-guide/invertebrates/echinoderms/shingle-urchin/