Whitespot Urchin
(Parasalenia gratiosa)

Description

Whitespot Urchin: A Natural Algae Cleaner for Your Reef

Add a captivating and beneficial invert to your marine setup. The Whitespot Urchin (*Parasalenia gratiosa*) is a unique nocturnal grazer, diligently keeping your aquarium clean.

Overview

The Whitespot Urchin (*Parasalenia gratiosa*) boasts an oval to round black body, adorned with hundreds of uniform, grey-brown spines. A distinctive white ring often marks the base of each spine, creating a subtle contrast. These peaceful invertebrates are primarily nocturnal, seeking refuge in rock crevices or burrowing into the substrate during daylight hours. At night, they emerge to meticulously graze on algae, moving slowly and deliberately across surfaces with their many tube feet.

Care Level

While generally considered moderate care, the Whitespot Urchin is peaceful and can be a valuable addition to most reef aquariums. Exercise caution with unsecured corals, as their grazing movements may dislodge them. Ensure stable water parameters and avoid copper-based medications, which are highly toxic to all invertebrates, to promote a healthy aquarium fish and invert environment.

Tank Essentials

A minimum of 100 litres is recommended for a Whitespot Urchin. Your aquarium should feature abundant live rock, providing both ample grazing surfaces and crucial hiding spots. Stable rock work is essential, as these urchins may attempt to wedge themselves into crevices. A sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal, facilitating their natural burrowing and cleaning behaviours.

Diet

Primarily an herbivore, the Whitespot Urchin actively consumes algae, including microalgae, macroalgae, and coralline algae, from your rocks and tank surfaces. If natural algae growth is insufficient, supplement their diet with high-quality dried seaweed or algae wafers.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Whitespot Urchin online from Corais de Vidro, you’re investing in a meticulously sourced, healthy marine invert. We prioritise ethical collection and humane shipping practices, ensuring each Whitespot Urchin arrives in prime condition, ready to thrive and contribute to the cleanliness of your display. Trust us for vibrant, well-acclimated specimens.

• Scientific Name: *Parasalenia gratiosa*
• Common Name / Variant: Whitespot Urchin
• Maximum Size: 7 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 7.7–8.5
• Temperature: 23–27°C
• Lifespan: [data unavailable]
• Swimming Zone: Bottom / Substrate

Add this diligent cleaner to your reef aquarium today!