Burrowing Sea Urchin

Burrowing Urchin (Echinometra sp.)

Description:

• A hardy sea urchin known for its habit of burrowing into rockwork and substrate.

• Typically dark in colour (brown, black, purple, or reddish) with long sharp spines.

• Helps control algae and detritus while aerating the substrate.

Care Requirements:

• Care Level: Easy to Moderate

• Temperament: Peaceful, reef-safe (may dislodge loose corals or rock).

• Size: ~8–10 cm across with spines

• Diet: Herbivore – feeds on algae, detritus, and biofilm. Supplement with dried seaweed (nori) or algae wafers if natural food is insufficient.

Aquarium Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 120 litres

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–27°C

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

• Setup: Rockwork with crevices for burrowing, sandy or rubble substrate, and stable aquascaping to prevent collapses.

Compatibility:

• Reef-safe with corals, but may knock over loose frags or rocks while burrowing.

• Safe with most community reef fish and invertebrates.

• Avoid predatory fish (triggers, puffers, large wrasses) that may attack urchins.

Notes:

• Burrowing behaviour is natural – ensure aquascape is stable.

• Excellent natural algae controller.

• Spines are sharp – handle with care.