Urchins Attacking Euphyllia

[MesmatePipe]

I have been considering adding urchins to my reef plan, but I have heard of them attacking euphyllias, especially bubble coral. My plan has a lot of bubble and hammer coral so I want to know what has happened with you urchins, is this really a problem, or is it a rare occurance?
Thanks in advance,
MmP

 

[Noah 123]

I don't know much about urchins, but some are reef safe and others aren't. For a safe bet, go with tuxedo urchins since they are definitely reef safe. Some more common ones to stay away from are purple, pincushion, and pencil urchins.

 

[Calappidae]

For the most part all the urchins sold are reef safe. Pencil may eat coraline algae which many find very good to have. Some rumor the same for long spines.

However.. one thing all urchins have in common is to knock down rockwork wedging in corners. Long spines don't often cause this because of their fragile spines.. but pencils are pros at that (personally experience).

The tuxedos and pincushions may also pick up loose frags, they're like the urchin verison of decorator crabs.

 

[Nina51]

i have one tuxedo and two pincushion urchins in my 75g. they are great at keeping the glass and rocks clean. i've never had them bother any corals. it's always fun to see what they decide to pick up and haul around!