Ouriço Mineiro
(Eucidaris tribuloides)

Description

Pencil Urchin: A Unique Algae Grazer for Your Marine Aquarium

Add an intriguing texture and diligent cleaner to your saltwater setup with the captivating Pencil Urchin. Its distinctive, thick spines make it a truly eye-catching invertebrate.

Overview

The Pencil Urchin (*Eucidaris tribuloides*) is a fascinating marine invertebrate characterized by its stout, blunt spines, resembling old-fashioned pencils. Typically brown to reddish-brown, these nocturnal grazers contribute significantly to aquarium cleanliness by consuming nuisance algae and detritus. They move slowly but deliberately, often wedging themselves into rockwork during the day and emerging at night to forage, offering a unique dynamic to your tank environment.

Care Level

Considered a moderate care level species, the Pencil Urchin is peaceful but requires stable water parameters. While generally safe, its movements can dislodge unsecured decor or corals, so it’s best introduced with caution in established reef tanks. Ensure robust rockwork to prevent accidents and promote a healthy aquarium for these hardy invertebrates.

Tank Essentials

A minimum tank size of 113 litres (30 gallons) is recommended for a Pencil Urchin. They thrive in established marine aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding spots. Maintain consistent water parameters: a pH range of 8.1-8.4, and a temperature of 24-27°C. They are sensitive to high nitrates and copper-based medications.

Diet

As omnivores, Pencil Urchins primarily graze on various types of algae, including desirable coralline algae, and detritus. Supplement their diet with quality algae sheets, spirulina-based sinking pellets, or frozen meaty foods if natural food sources are insufficient.

Why Buy From Us

When you choose to buy Pencil Urchin online from us, you’re investing in healthy aquarium fish and marine life. We prioritise rigorous quarantine protocols, ethical sourcing, and humane shipping practices to ensure your new Pencil Urchin arrives vibrant and ready to thrive in your marine ecosystem.

• Scientific Name: *Eucidaris tribuloides*
• Common Name / Variant: Pencil Urchin / Slate Pencil Urchin
• Maximum Size: 13 cm
• Origin: Tropical Western Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean, Florida, Brazil)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Lifespan: [data unavailable]
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add a unique and industrious Pencil Urchin to your marine tank today!