{"product_id":"urchin-white","title":"Pin Cushion Urchin","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Pin Cushion Urchin (\u003cem\u003eLytechinus variegatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a marine invertebrate known for its distinctive appearance and role in maintaining aquarium health. In aquarium settings, it serves as an effective algae grazer, contributing to the maintenance of a balanced and healthy environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEssential Information:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pin Cushion Urchin, Variegated Urchin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLytechinus variegatus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toxopneustidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\/Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in coral reef ecosystems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically 5 to 10 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLevel of Difficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; requires stable water conditions and appropriate tank mates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally considered reef-safe, but caution is advised with certain corals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Physical Traits:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColoration \u0026amp; Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Varies from red to purple to white and blue, with uniform spines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody Shape \u0026amp; Structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oval to round body covered with hundreds of uniform spines; mouth located on the underside.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat \u0026amp; Environmental Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e At least 30 gallons (114 liters) to provide adequate space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain between 72°F and 78°F (22°C to 25°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep between 8.1 and 8.4.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimal range is 1.023 to 1.025.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide stable rockwork or substrate for attachment; ensure the urchin is securely positioned to prevent movement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Algae, including macroalgae and detritus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Frequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e In a well-established tank with sufficient algae, supplemental feeding may not be necessary. If algae is lacking, provide dried algae sheets, spinach, or other greens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful and non-aggressive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSocial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solitary; does not require companions but can coexist with other peaceful tank inhabitants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mate Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with most reef-safe fish and invertebrates. Avoid housing with predatory species that may harm them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActivity Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily nocturnal; may be more active during the night.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Considerations \u0026amp; Additional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEase of Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; requires stable water parameters and appropriate tank mates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure high-quality water with low nutrient levels to prevent excessive algae growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding Info:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reproduction in captivity is uncommon; they are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Regular monitoring of water quality is essential. Ensure there is sufficient algae or be prepared to provide supplemental feeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Inverts Bay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42451789643915,"sku":"4245178964","price":45.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0628\/8578\/9835\/files\/pincushion-urchin_0a0eeba7-bf16-4839-8bbe-1e25316676ba.jpg?v=1739112147","url":"https:\/\/ca9ea5-6d.myshopify.com\/products\/urchin-white","provider":"Inverts Bay","version":"1.0","type":"link"}