Urchin – Rock-Boring

Rock-Boring Urchin Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  30 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 6.25cm (2.5″)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 200 years!

Scientific Name: Echinometra Mathaei

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

The rock-boring urchin is a common species of sea urchin, its scientific name is Echinometra Mathaei, but it is referred to as the rock urchin or the rock-boring urchin. This urchin comes from the Echinidae family. The rock boring urchin has a maximum size of 2.5” in diameter, and can live up to 200 years in ideal conditions. Rock boring urchins are omnivores that prefer to eat algae, specifically coralline algae. If there isn’t a sufficient amount of algae in the tank, algae rocks should be supplemented. This urchin has a minimum tank size of 30 gallons. Rock boring urchins are peaceful and are both coral and invertebrate safe. Rock boring urchins will almost always be wedged into a rock. Sea urchins are nocturnal, giving algae rocks in the evening instead of in the morning would be more effective.