{"product_id":"shortspine-urchin","title":"Shortspine Urchin","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBiosecurity Shipping Limitations apply\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShipping Allowed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 79.3752px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eTasmania\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 255, 128);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 183, 31);\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eWestern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 255, 42);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 183, 31);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eNorthern Territory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003eAll Other States\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(107, 183, 31);\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eShortspine Urchin\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent marine algae grazer and a hardworking addition to established reef aquariums. Its compact body and relatively short spines allow it to navigate rockwork while continuously grazing on algae, biofilm and other growth.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese urchins are particularly useful for helping control \u003cstrong\u003egreen algae and nuisance growth on live rock and aquarium surfaces\u003c\/strong\u003e. They are generally peaceful and reef compatible, although their strong grazing and movement can occasionally disturb loose coral frags or unsecured decorations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide plenty of natural algae and secure any lightweight rockwork or coral frags before introduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eEchinometra\u003c\/em\u003e spp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Any standard reef lighting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Algae, biofilm and marine algae foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Aquarium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75L+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Live rock and hard surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally reef safe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eActivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active grazer, particularly around rockwork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does a Shortspine Urchin eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt primarily grazes on algae and biofilm growing across live rock and other hard surfaces. Supplemental algae-based foods can be provided when natural algae is limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Shortspine Urchins reef safe?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, they are generally considered reef compatible. However, their size and strength can cause them to accidentally move unsecured frags or decorations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it help with algae?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Shortspine Urchins are effective grazers and can be particularly useful in aquariums experiencing persistent algae growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan it knock over corals?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can accidentally push loose coral frags or lightweight decorations while moving around the aquarium. Secure vulnerable pieces where necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdding one to an aquarium with no algae\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrchins need a reliable food source. Supplement their diet if the aquarium becomes too clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLeaving loose coral frags unsecured\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir strong movement can displace lightweight frags and decorations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHandling them carelessly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven short spines can be sharp. Handle carefully and avoid unnecessary contact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdding too many algae grazers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn oversized clean-up crew can quickly consume the available natural food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKeeping salinity unstable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUrchins are sensitive to sudden changes in salinity, so careful acclimation and stable parameters are important.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49286895665291,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/photoroom_20250514_115259-768x768.webp?v=1788237234","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/shortspine-urchin","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}