Urchin – Tuxedo

Tuxedo Urchin Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 7.5cm (3″)

Diet: Herbivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 200 years!

Scientific Name: Mespilia Globulus

Other Names: Blue Tuxedo Urchin, Sphere Urchin, Globe Urchin

The tuxedo urchin is one of the most common urchin species seen in the hobby. Its scientific name is Mespilia Globulus but its mainly referred to by the tuxedo urchin, some other common names include the sphere urchin or the globe urchin. This urchin is a part of the Temnopleuridae family. Tuxedo urchins have a maximum size of 3” in diameter and can live up to 200 years in ideal conditions. Tuxedo urchins are omnivores but prefer to eat algae, specifically coralline algae. If there isn’t a sufficient amount of algae in the tank, they can be supplemented with algae rocks. Their minimum tank size is 20 gallons. Tuxedo urchins are peaceful and are both coral and invertebrate safe. These urchins will most often be seen on the rocks on the glass. Sea urchins are nocturnal, feeding them in the evening instead of in the morning would be more effective.