spined urchins, good or bad?

[Capt_Cully]

i've heard if they die urchins release vicious toxins. Is this true? i'd like to get one? anyone have any experience with them? thanks

 

[RichConley]

Never heard that.

But theyre like any large animal. When they die, theres a lot of dead material in the tank. Its like losing a large clam, or a large fish. If you dont deal with it, you'll have problems.

 

[Buster4900]

I have had mine for 6 months and he has gron, doing well. He does a good job keeping the coraline off the acrylic.

 

[VengefulSakhmet]

Check out what type of urchin it is carefully. I just had one that took out a bunch of snails, hermits, and a couple of fish before I figured out it was him. LFS guys told me he only ate algae...ha.

 

[Capt_Cully]

http://www.marinedepotlive.com/longspine-black-urchin---diadema-savignyi-inverts--urchins.html

look in section under "general notes"

that scares me. they really look cool and would help give a caribbean look to a tank.

 

[Buster4900]

That does sound a little scary. Mine looks just like the ones in the picture. I have seen fish brush against the Urchins spines with no problems, I have handled it and never felt any stinging. I bet you will be OK with one. The Urchin and starfish get the most comments from visitors.

 

[stykthyn]

those dont sting, the spines are just very brittle if you do get stuck they spie will break off in the wound causing a nasty infection. watch out for them when you clean your tank. I stepped on one once, it got nasty....................