{"product_id":"pink-urchin","title":"Pink Urchin","description":"\u003ch3\u003ePink Urchin: The Red\/Pink Tuxedo Algae Grazer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePink Urchin\u003c\/strong\u003e is a trade name for the reddish or pinkish color morph of the highly desirable \u003cstrong\u003eTuxedo Urchin\u003c\/strong\u003e, scientifically known as Mespilia globulus. Along with the blue\/purple variant, this sea urchin is a favorite among aquarists for its relentless appetite for nuisance algae and its unique, ornamental appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"Pink\" or \"Red Tuxedo\" variant features a test (body) with velvety blue or black bands alternating with rows of short, dense, light-colored spines that take on a reddish, tan, or pink hue. It is an extremely effective member of the cleanup crew, and its small size—reaching a maximum test diameter of about 3 inches (7-8 cm)—makes it suitable for established tanks as small as 20 gallons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all members of its species, the \u003cstrong\u003ePink Urchin\u003c\/strong\u003e exhibits the charming behavior of a \"decorator,\" covering its body with small pieces of shell, rubble, and even algae for camouflage. It requires stable water parameters and a mature system to thrive.\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 animal is a committed \u003cstrong\u003eHerbivore \/ Algivore\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is a key tool in controlling various forms of nuisance algae, including the dreaded hair algae and film algae, which it scrapes off the aquascape and glass with its specialized mouthparts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Pink Urchin relies on a constant supply of natural algae growth in the aquarium. In tanks where algae is low, particularly after it has successfully cleared an outbreak, its diet must be supplemented. Offerings should include dried seaweed (Nori) or algae wafers, spot-fed near the urchin to ensure it gets enough nutrition and to prevent starvation (often indicated by spine loss).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is typically considered \u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe With Caution\u003c\/strong\u003e. While it will not eat healthy coral tissue, its movement may knock over small, unsecured coral frags, rocks, or unweighted equipment as it grazes and wedges itself into crevices. Coralline algae may also be grazed upon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is Peaceful and Solitary. It is non-aggressive and harmless to all fish, motile invertebrates, and healthy corals. Its spines are short and non-venomous.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTankmates to Avoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep it away from all Urchin Predators such as Triggerfish, Pufferfish, large Wrasses, and Lionfish.\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 Mespilia globulus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePink Urchin\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Tuxedo Urchin, Globe Urchin, Pincushion Urchin, Sphere Urchin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indo-Pacific (Widespread)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 inches (7-8 cm) Test Diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful \/ Solitary (\u003cstrong\u003eNon-Venomous\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivore \/ Algivore (Algae on rock and glass)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20+ Gallons (Requires established algae source)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution (May move unsecured items)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SLA","offers":[{"title":"Small\/Medium (1.5-3.5\")","offer_id":67705484837084,"sku":"mzw1791986851449","price":27.81,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0834\/1422\/1020\/files\/pink-urchin_1.webp?v=1791986859","url":"https:\/\/calmhemwear.shop\/products\/pink-urchin","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}