Red Slate Pencil Urchin
The Red Slate Pencil Urchin, also known as Slate Pencil Urchin, has a reddish-tan body with sparse, long, blunt solid spines that taper at the tips and radiate out from the body in all directions at lengths of up to five inches. In addition to its spines looking like pencils, this sea urchin is also called the Red Slate Pencil Urchin because its spines were used as writing utensils for slate boards.
It can move about via its suctorial podia. It has enough traction to allow it to climb up the glass sides of an aquarium.
Due to its large size, it requires a solid reef structure in the aquarium. Rock pieces should be well placed to prevent accidental tumbling or movement. This species can be destructive to corals and should be housed carefully.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Color | Reddish-tan |
| Spine Length | Up to five inches |
| Movement | Can climb glass walls using suctorial podia |
| Habitat Requirement | Stable rocky reef setup |
| Compatibility | Not suitable for coral tanks; may damage soft corals and polyps |
FAQ
Can the Red Slate Pencil Urchin live in a reef tank with corals?
No, this species can be destructive to corals and is not recommended for tanks with soft corals or polyps.
How does the Red Slate Pencil Urchin move around in the tank?
It moves using suctorial podia, allowing it to climb glass walls and navigate across the tank floor.
What kind of substrate or rock setup is needed?
A solid, stable reef structure with well-placed rock pieces is required to prevent the urchin from tumbling or moving unexpectedly.
Karen McDonald –
I added the Red Slate Pencil Urchin to my reef tank after reading about its unique appearance. It’s quite active and climbs the glass walls occasionally. I had to rearrange my rocks to keep it secure. It doesn’t harm the anemones, but I noticed some minor damage to a small coral. Not ideal for a coral-heavy tank, but visually interesting.
Leah Manning –
The urchin looks striking with its pencil-like spines. It moves around a lot and can be a bit of a nuisance when it climbs the sides. I placed it in a tank with only hard corals and no soft ones. It’s not aggressive, but it does scratch the rock edges over time.
Amy Ogden –
This urchin is a standout in my tank. The red-tan color and spine structure are unique. It stays in one area after a few weeks and doesn’t seem to cause damage. I made sure to use large, stable rocks. It’s a good addition for a tank with minimal coral.