{"product_id":"long-spine-urchin","title":"Long Spine Urchin","description":"\u003ch3\u003eLong Spine Urchin: The Algae Sentinel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLong Spine Urchin\u003c\/strong\u003e (Diadema antillarum) is one of the most ecologically important herbivores on Caribbean reefs and an unparalleled member of the marine cleanup crew. Characterized by its extraordinarily \u003cstrong\u003elong, thin, and brittle spines\u003c\/strong\u003e, which can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm), this echinoderm is an essential utility animal for controlling nuisance algae in large, well-established reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, this urchin is known to graze on algae, clearing surfaces for new coral growth. Due to its large size (test body up to 4 inches, plus spines) and the potential for a sting, it is generally recommended for the experienced aquarist with a large system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is a dedicated, voracious Herbivore that feeds primarily on algae, including hair algae, film algae, and turf algae. It uses a powerful mouth structure called \u003cstrong\u003eAristotle’s lantern\u003c\/strong\u003e to scrape and consume the algae.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e In tanks with heavy algae growth, the urchin is largely self-sufficient. In cleaner tanks, its diet must be supplemented with dried seaweed (nori) or algae wafers, as a starved urchin may begin to graze on coralline algae or, in extreme cases, soft corals or coral spat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is \u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe With Caution\u003c\/strong\u003e. The Long Spine Urchin will not intentionally predate on corals or fish. However, its large size and powerful grazing can lead to a \u003cstrong\u003e\"bulldozer effect,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e where it accidentally knocks over unsecured coral frags, small anemones, and unstable rockwork. All corals must be firmly glued down. It will also consume desirable \u003cstrong\u003ecoralline algae\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful (but venomous)\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is nocturnal, hiding in rock crevices during the day and emerging at night to graze. It is an excellent choice for tanks with aggressive fish (like large Tangs or Angels) that would otherwise consume smaller cleanup crew members like snails or shrimp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVenom Warning:\u003c\/strong\u003e The spines are sharp, extremely brittle, and contain a mild venom (comparable to a bee sting). The spine tips can easily break off inside the skin, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. Never handle this urchin with bare hands; use thick gloves or tongs during any maintenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diadema antillarum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long Spine Urchin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Longspine Urchin, Long-spined Sea Urchin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caribbean, Western Atlantic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 to 12 inches (with spines)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful (\u003cstrong\u003eVenomous Spines\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore (Voracious algae grazer)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75 Gallons (to accommodate spine span)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution (Bulldozes unsecured items)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SLA","offers":[{"title":"Medium (2.5-3.5\")","offer_id":67705445351644,"sku":"gtc1791986671538","price":49.24,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0834\/1422\/1020\/files\/long-spine-urchin_1.webp?v=1791986676","url":"https:\/\/calmhemwear.shop\/products\/long-spine-urchin","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}