Echinometra sp. – "Purple-Black" Sea Urchin

Characteristics:

• Species: Echinometra sp.
• Group: Sea urchin (Echinoidea)
• Color: Dark purple to black-purple body with long, strong spines; depending on the light, the spines may show a slight metallic sheen
• Size: Body diameter usually approx. 4–6 cm, significantly larger with spines
• Diet: Algae, periphyton, and biofilm on rock
• Light Requirements: No special requirements
• Flow: Light to moderate

Care Instructions:
The Echinometra sea urchin is a useful algae eater in saltwater aquariums. It roams the reef rock in search of periphyton and helps reduce unwanted algal growth. A sufficiently large aquarium with a stable reef structure is recommended, as the sea urchin can dislodge loose coral fragments or decorations when climbing. If algae growth is low, supplementary feeding with algae sheets may be beneficial.

Special Features:

• Effective algae and periphyton eater
• Attractive dark purple-black coloration
• Very active and constantly moving around the reef
• Can carry small objects or pieces of algae as "protection" on its body
• Useful part of the clean-up crew