Green Sea Urchin
(Lytechinus variegatus)

Descrição

The initial search results show some ambiguity regarding “Green Sea Urchin”. While the user provided *Lytechinus variegatus*, many search results (like) primarily describe *Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis* when referring to “Green Sea Urchin”. *Lytechinus variegatus* is often called “Variegated Sea Urchin” or “Pincushion Urchin” and can come in various colors, including green, white, purple, and red.

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**Scientific Name:** *Lytechinus variegatus*
**Common Name / Variant:** Green Sea Urchin (though it can be variegated, the user specifically asked for “Green Sea Urchin” as the common name). I will mention its color variability in the overview.

**Appearance & Behavior (Overview):**
– Globular test (shell) densely covered in spines.
– Can be various colors: white, green, purple, red, or a mixture. Green test with green or white spines is common in the Caribbean.
– Spines are short.
– Moves using tube feet and spines.
– Often covers itself with debris (algae, shells) for camouflage or UV protection.
– Primarily nocturnal, grazing at night.
– Generally solitary but tolerates others of its kind if space and food are sufficient.

**Care Level:**
– Easy to Moderate care level.
– Peaceful temperament.
– Reef compatible.
– Sensitive to high copper levels and high nitrates; requires stable water quality. Poor water quality leads to spine loss.

**Tank Essentials:**
– Minimum tank size: 76 Litres (20 US G). Some sources say 10+ gallons, but larger is better for stability. I’ll go with 76L (20 gallons) as a good minimum.
– Water parameters:
– pH: 8.1-8.4
– Salinity/SG: 1.023-1.025, 1.020-1.027. I will use 1.023-1.025 as it’s more consistent.
– Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). I will use a conservative range like 22-26°C.
– dKH: 8-12.
– Needs ample live rock for grazing and hiding.
– Rock formations must be stable.

**Diet:**
– Primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae (including nuisance algae like filamentous algae).
– Omnivorous; also eats kelp, seaweeds, benthic diatoms, and small invertebrates (e.g., ascidians, polychaetes, young mussels) if algae is scarce.
– Supplement with dried seaweed (nori) if not enough algae.

**Why Buy From Us:** (Standard text, no research needed)

**List Data:**
– **Scientific Name:** *Lytechinus variegatus*
– **Common Name / Variant:** Green Sea Urchin
– **Maximum Size:** Up to 11 cm (4.3 in) in diameter. Some sources say 8cm or 8 inches (20.3cm), but 11cm seems more consistent for *Lytechinus variegatus* specifically, while the 8-inch might be for other “pincushion urchin” types or an overestimation for L. variegatus. I’ll stick with a range up to 11cm.
– **Origin:** Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, southern Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and northern Brazil. “Tropical waters”.
– **pH Range:** 8.1–8.4
– **Temperature:** 22–26°C (converting 72-78°F or 72-82°F ranges, being conservative). Some sources say “room temperature”, but a more specific range is better.
– **Lifespan:** Estimated maximal life expectancy of only four years. Some say 3-5 years.
– **Swimming Zone:** Bottom (moves along the substratum using tube feet and spines).

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Here’s a summary of the confirmed data points:

* **Scientific Name:** *Lytechinus variegatus*
* **Common Name / Variant:** Green Sea Urchin (also known as Variegated or Pincushion Urchin)
* **Maximum Size:** Up to 11 cm in diameter (4.3 inches). Some sources mention 8 inches, but 11cm is more consistently reported for *Lytechinus variegatus* specifically.
* **Origin:** Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, southern Florida, and northern Brazil.
* **pH Range:** 8.1–8.4.
* **Temperature:** 22–28°C (72–82°F). I will use 22-26°C for a slightly more conservative and common range for home aquaria, noting that 22°C is optimal for growth.
* **Lifespan:** 3–5 years, with some sources stating a maximal life expectancy of only four years.
* **Swimming Zone:** Bottom (primarily moves on the substrate).

**Additional Notes for Description:**
* **Appearance:** Globular body, short spines. Colors can vary, including green, white, purple, and red. Often covers itself with debris.
* **Behavior:** Nocturnal grazers, peaceful, may occasionally move loose rockwork.
* **Care Level:** Easy to Moderate. Sensitive to high copper and nitrates; good water quality is essential.
* **Tank Essentials:** Minimum 76L (20 gallons), stable rockwork for grazing and hiding.
* **Diet:** Primarily herbivorous (algae, kelp, seagrass), but omnivorous and will eat detritus and small invertebrates. Supplement with dried seaweed (nori) if algae is scarce.

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Green Sea Urchin: Your Aquarium’s Natural Algae Manager

Add the captivating Green Sea Urchin to your reef tank and discover its unparalleled efficiency as an algae eater. This industrious invertebrate brings both beauty and a vital cleaning service to your marine environment.

Overview

The Green Sea Urchin (*Lytechinus variegatus*) features a charming globular body densely covered in short, movable spines. While often green, its coloration can vary, including shades of white, purple, or red. This fascinating creature uses its strong tube feet and spines for locomotion, often seen adorning itself with substrate or debris for camouflage and UV protection. Primarily nocturnal, it diligently grazes across rockwork and glass, making it an exceptional member of your cleanup crew.

Care Level

Considered an easy to moderate care species, the Green Sea Urchin is peaceful and reef-compatible. It thrives in well-established marine systems and is a responsible choice for maintaining healthy aquarium fish. Ensure stable water parameters as they are sensitive to high nitrates and copper-based medications; poor water quality can lead to spine loss.

Tank Essentials

A minimum tank size of 76 litres (20 gallons) is recommended for a single Green Sea Urchin to provide ample grazing space. Your aquarium should feature stable live rock formations, allowing it to move and forage without toppling décor. Maintain water temperature between 22–26°C, pH between 8.1–8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.023–1.025.

Diet

This primarily herbivorous grazer is highly effective at controlling nuisance algae, including filamentous types. Its diet can also include detritus and small invertebrates. If natural algae levels are insufficient, supplement its diet with dried seaweed or nori to ensure proper nutrition.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Green Sea Urchin online from us, you receive healthy, responsibly sourced marine invertebrates. We prioritize ethical collection and superior husbandry, ensuring each specimen is robust and ready to thrive in your marine aquarium. Experience the difference quality makes in your aquatic ecosystem.

• Scientific Name: *Lytechinus variegatus*
• Common Name / Variant: Green Sea Urchin
• Maximum Size: 11 cm
• Origin: Western Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Brazil)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–26°C
• Lifespan: 3–5 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Transform your reef tank’s cleanliness today with a Green Sea Urchin!