Red Pencil Sea Urchin Heterocentrotus Mammillatus

Description

Red Pencil Sea Urchin – Heterocentrotus mammillatus

Overview:
The Red Pencil Sea Urchin is a striking and unique urchin, instantly recognizable by its thick, bright red spines resembling pencils. More ornamental than functional, it adds a bold splash of color and texture to aquariums.

Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in rocky reef areas exposed to strong surge zones.

Feeding:

• Feeds on algae, biofilm, and detritus.

• Supplement diet with dried seaweed, algae wafers, or fresh macroalgae if natural algae growth is limited.

Tank Mates:

• Reef-safe, but its size and strength mean it can dislodge corals or rockwork.

• Avoid with predatory fish such as puffers and triggers.

Aggression Level:
Peaceful. Will not bother tank mates but may inadvertently shift décor while moving.

Experience Level:
Intermediate. Requires stable, well-established aquariums with ample algae and strong rockwork.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72‚Äì78¬∞F (22‚Äì26¬∞C)

• pH: 8.1‚Äì8.4

• Salinity: 1.023‚Äì1.025

• Tank Size: 75+ gallons

Unique Features:

• Iconic thick red spines for a dramatic display.

• Long-lived and hardy in stable reef systems.

• Excellent at helping control algae, though slower than other urchins.

‚ú® The Red Pencil Sea Urchin is both a conversation piece and functional grazer, perfect for large, established reef tanks.