Urchin – Pencil

Pencil Urchin Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 12.5cm (5″)

Diet: Herbivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 200 years!

Scientific Name: Eucidaris Tribloides

Other Names: Mine Urchin, Club Urchin

The pencil urchin is a rare and predatory type of sea urchin not often seen in the hobby. Its scientific name is Eucidaris Tribloides but it is referred to by its common name the pencil urchin, it is also sometimes called the mine urchin or club urchin. This urchin comes from the Cidaridae family. Pencil urchins have a maximum size of 5” in diameter and can live up to 200 years in ideal conditions. Pencil urchins are omnivores that prefer to eat algae, specifically coralline algae. Their minimum tank size is 20 gallons. Pencil urchins are considered peaceful but are not coral safe, they are safe around invertebrates. Pencil urchins are nocturnal, feeding them in the evening instead of the morning would be more effective.