White Urchin – Lytechinus variegatus
The White Urchin is a beautiful and ravenous herbivore bred and raised at Biota North Carolina. These inverts make great additions to your clean up crew as they can eat both tough algae on rockwork and film algae on the glass. They tend to pick up small rocks or sand around the aquarium so make sure your frags are glued down.
Specifications
| Species | Lytechinus variegatus |
|---|---|
| Origin | Biota North Carolina |
| Diet | Herbivore – algae (rockwork and glass film) |
| Behavior | Active algae eater; may move small rocks or sand |
FAQ
Do white urchins eat other types of food besides algae?
No, white urchins are strictly herbivorous and only consume algae, including film algae on glass and tough algae on rockwork.
Can white urchins be kept with other marine species?
Yes, they are generally compatible with other marine species as long as there is no aggressive or fast-moving fish that might disturb them.
How should I secure my aquarium decor to prevent the urchin from moving rocks or sand?
Make sure all frags and rockwork are securely glued or anchored to prevent the urchin from dislodging them.
Fiona Poole –
The white urchin has been a great addition to my tank. It actively eats algae on the glass and rock surfaces without causing any damage. I noticed it picking up small sand particles, so I now use glue to secure all my decor. It’s a quiet and effective cleaner.
Joseph Glover –
I was worried about it damaging my setup, but it’s been eating algae without disturbing anything. It’s a bit active and moves around a lot, so I made sure to glue down all the rocks. Works well in a mixed-species tank.
Anne Watson –
This urchin has significantly reduced the algae buildup in my tank. It’s efficient and doesn’t seem to harm any of the other inhabitants. I appreciate the care taken in breeding and raising them at Biota.