White Slate Pencil Urchin
(Heterocentrotus mammillatus)

Descrição

The White Slate Pencil Urchin (*Heterocentrotus mammillatus*) is a fascinating invertebrate.
**Appearance & Behavior**: It has a body (test) up to 8 cm in diameter, with thick, blunt spines up to 12 cm long. The “white” variant refers to the spine coloration, though they can also be brownish, reddish, or purple, often with white bands. They are primarily nocturnal, seeking shelter during the day and emerging at night to graze. They move using tube feet and their spines, capable of surprisingly agile climbing.

**Care Level & Compatibility**: This urchin is considered of average difficulty to care for. While primarily an herbivore that consumes encrusting coralline algae, it can be destructive to some corals and invertebrates in a reef setting. It is known to dislodge rocks and corals as it moves, so a stable aquascape is essential. Compatibility with other peaceful marine invertebrates and fish is generally good, but caution is advised in mixed reef tanks due to its grazing habits and potential for bulldozing.

**Tank Essentials**: A minimum tank size of 500 liters (approximately 130 gallons) is recommended to provide ample grazing surface and stability for this active urchin. They thrive in stable marine conditions.
**Water parameters**: pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025, temperature 22-26°C.

**Diet**: The White Slate Pencil Urchin is predominantly an herbivore, primarily feeding on encrusting coralline algae. They will also graze on other forms of algae like *Pterocladia* and *Ulva*, and may consume small invertebrates such as sponges or sea squirts. Ensure a steady supply of natural algae or offer supplemental algae wafers and dried seaweed.

**Why Buy From Us**: We source healthy, robust White Slate Pencil Urchins, ensuring proper acclimation and humane shipping to your door. Our commitment to responsible practices means you receive vibrant, well-cared-for invertebrates ready to thrive in your marine aquarium. We prioritize the well-being of every specimen, offering you confidence when you buy White Slate Pencil Urchin online.

**Scientific Name:** *Heterocentrotus mammillatus*
**Common Name / Variant:** White Slate Pencil Urchin
**Maximum Size:** 8 cm (body diameter) + 12 cm (spines)
**Origin:** Indo-Pacific
**pH Range:** 8.1–8.4
**Temperature:** 22–26°C
**Lifespan:** [data unavailable]
**Swimming Zone:** Bottom

**Add this unique White Slate Pencil Urchin to your thriving marine aquarium today!**

White Slate Pencil Urchin: A Bold Reef Addition!

Introduce a distinctive presence to your large marine aquarium with the captivating White Slate Pencil Urchin. Its unique, thick spines and active grazing habits make it a fascinating invertebrate.

Overview

The White Slate Pencil Urchin, *Heterocentrotus mammillatus*, is easily recognized by its robust, blunt spines, which can be white, brownish, reddish, or even purple, often featuring white banding. The main body (test) can reach up to 8 cm in diameter, with spines extending up to 12 cm. Primarily nocturnal, these urchins spend their days concealed within rockwork, emerging at night to diligently graze on algae, moving surprisingly well on their tube feet and spines.

Care Level

Considered of moderate difficulty, the White Slate Pencil Urchin is an intriguing, active inhabitant. While peaceful towards most fish, caution is advised in mixed reef tanks; their potent grazing can harm certain corals, and they are known for dislodging unsecured rockwork or decorations. Responsible Slate Pencil Urchin care involves providing a stable, mature environment.

Tank Essentials

A minimum aquarium size of 500 liters (approximately 130 gallons) is recommended for this species, ensuring ample stable surfaces for grazing and movement. They thrive in consistent marine parameters: a pH range of 8.1-8.4 and temperatures between 22-26°C. Maintain stable salinity between 1.023-1.025 to support a healthy aquarium fish and invertebrate environment.

Diet

This urchin is a primary herbivore, specializing in consuming encrusting coralline algae. Supplemental feedings of dried seaweed, spirulina, and various algae wafers are beneficial to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent over-grazing of desirable tank algae.

Why Buy From Us

We pride ourselves on providing healthy, ethically sourced marine invertebrates. When you choose to buy White Slate Pencil Urchin online from us, you receive a specimen acclimated with care and shipped humanely. Our robust quarantine protocols ensure you add a vibrant, active cleaner to your aquatic display, supporting the longevity of your reef aquarium invertebrates.

• Scientific Name: Heterocentrotus mammillatus
• Common Name / Variant: White Slate Pencil Urchin
• Maximum Size: 8 cm (body) + 12 cm (spines)
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–26°C
• Lifespan: [data unavailable]
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this unique White Slate Pencil Urchin to your thriving marine aquarium today!