Mine Sea Urchin Eucidaris Tribuloides

Mine Sea Urchin – Eucidaris tribuloides

(Also known as: Pencil Urchin, Caribbean Mine Urchin)

Overview:
The Mine Sea Urchin is a stout-bodied urchin with thick, blunt, cylindrical spines that resemble the spikes of an underwater mine – hence its common name. Unlike long-spined urchins, its spines are short, strong, and less sharp, making it less dangerous to handle (though still prickly). It’s a slow-moving grazer that contributes to reef cleanup but may sometimes feed on soft corals and sponges.

Origin:
Native to the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Western Atlantic Ocean, usually found on reefs, rocky substrates, and seagrass beds.

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Feeding:

• Grazes on algae, detritus, and biofilm.
• May nibble on sponges, soft corals, or sessile invertebrates in captivity.
• Supplement diet with nori, spirulina, or algae wafers if natural growth is insufficient.

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Tank Mates:

• Generally peaceful, but can be at risk from predators like triggerfish, puffers, or large wrasses.
• Best kept with reef-safe fish.
• May not be completely reef safe, as it can eat coralline algae and soft corals if underfed.

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Aggression Level:
Non-aggressive, but its spines can cause discomfort if touched.

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Experience Level:
Intermediate – requires a mature tank with consistent algae growth and careful placement to prevent toppling corals.

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Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025
• Tank Size: 75+ gallons

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Unique Features:

• Nicknamed “Mine Urchin” due to its resemblance to old naval mines.
• Strong, blunt pencil-like spines instead of sharp ones.
• Often used in aquariums for algae control, though with caution.

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‚ú® The Mine Sea Urchin is a hardy and fascinating addition to a marine system, offering both utility as an algae grazer and a unique appearance, though it requires careful reef placement due to its diet.

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Would you like me to also prepare a side-by-side comparison of the Mine Urchin vs. the more commonly sold Pencil Urchin (Eucidaris sp.) for your store listings?