{"product_id":"pencil-sea-urchin-algae-eater","title":"Pencil Sea Urchin (Algae Eater)","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePencil Sea Urchin (Algae Eater)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f7f8f8; border-top:1px solid #dce3e5; padding:12px 14px; font-size:13px; color:#68777c; line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n  \u003cstrong style=\"color:#46545b;\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a general description of the species — the specific specimen you receive may vary in color, size, and appearance.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pencil Sea Urchin (\u003cem\u003eEucidaris sp.\u003c\/em\u003e \/ \u003cem\u003eHeterocentrotus sp.\u003c\/em\u003e) is one of the most functional, distinctive, and reef-safe algae grazers available in the entire saltwater hobby. \u003cstrong\u003eThick, blunt spines radiate from a spherical body in colors ranging from cream and reddish-brown to vibrant red-orange, giving the pencil urchin an unmistakable silhouette that is completely unlike any other invertebrate in the reef trade\u003c\/strong\u003e — the classic \"pincushion\" profile that has made this species a favorite among reefers looking for something visually different alongside its genuine utility. Slow-moving and completely peaceful with tankmates, pencil urchins bring both functional algae control and a distinctive sculptural presence to any established display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes the Pencil Sea Urchin one of the most valuable invertebrate additions to any established reef is its active algae-grazing behavior. \u003cstrong\u003ePencil urchins are one of the most effective natural algae grazers available to reefers\u003c\/strong\u003e — actively consuming hair algae, film algae, diatoms, and overgrown coralline algae that other cleanup crew invertebrates leave untouched. Unlike more dangerous urchin species (Diadema long-spined urchins), pencil urchin spines are blunt and non-venomous, making them safe to handle carefully and reef-safe with corals and other invertebrates. Hardy, adaptable, and long-lived, the pencil urchin is one of the best all-around functional invertebrates a reef keeper can add.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eAvailable Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border-top:1px solid #d8e1e3; border-bottom:1px solid #d8e1e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex; gap:18px; padding:14px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"width:155px; flex:0 0 155px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block; font-weight:700; color:#173f4b; background:#eef5f5; padding:4px 8px; border-radius:4px;\"\u003e1 Pencil Sea Urchin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"color:#536369; line-height:1.55;\"\u003eOne healthy Pencil Sea Urchin — exact color and species selected from current availability. Thick, blunt spines with distinctive pincushion silhouette. Ready to acclimate, explore, and begin grazing algae from day one.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eCare Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #dce4e6; font-size:14px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003e72–78°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003e1.023–1.026 — stable parameters recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eTank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003e30 gallon minimum — established reef with rockwork and grazing surfaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003eHerbivore — hair algae, film algae, diatoms, coralline algae\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #dce4e6;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003ePeaceful — reef-safe with corals and invertebrates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width:32%; padding:10px 12px; font-weight:700; color:#304a54; background:#f3f6f7;\"\u003eCare Level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px; color:#526168;\"\u003eEasy — hardy and beginner-friendly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003eSpecial Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#faf9f3; border:1px solid #e4dfc9; border-left:4px solid #aa9b60; border-radius:6px; padding:13px 15px; color:#425158; line-height:1.65;\"\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003ePencil Sea Urchins are physically slow-moving grazers that can occasionally knock over unsecured frags, small rockwork, or loose decorations as they navigate the aquascape.\u003c\/strong\u003e Secure all frag plugs and small rocks with reef-safe glue or aquascape putty to prevent accidental displacement. Pencil urchins actively graze coralline algae as part of their diet — this is beneficial for controlling overgrown coralline on glass or unwanted surfaces, but reefers who value heavy coralline growth on rockwork may see gradual reduction in coralline coverage over time. Most pencil urchin species are more active at night; expect the urchin to hide during the day and emerge to graze after lights out — this is completely normal behavior. Pencil urchins are safe to handle carefully, but the blunt spines can still cause minor scrapes if handled roughly. Avoid copper-based medications, which are fatal to sea urchins and other invertebrates. Provide stable salinity and gradual acclimation over 60–90 minutes on arrival, as urchins are sensitive to sudden parameter changes.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:12px;\"\u003e🔍 Aquarium Insights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pencil Sea Urchin is one of the most useful and visually distinctive invertebrates in the reef hobby:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top:0; padding-left:20px; color:#495b62; line-height:1.75;\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eActive algae grazer — actively consumes hair algae, film algae, diatoms, and overgrown coralline\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBlunt, non-venomous spines — safer to handle than long-spined urchin species\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA hardy, peaceful invertebrate that combines striking sculptural presence with genuine biological pest control — beautiful and functional in equal measure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color:#173f4b; margin-bottom:7px;\"\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom:0;\"\u003eFor detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/pages\/species-library\" style=\"color:#1d5c78;\"\u003eSpecies Library\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#f6f8f9; border:1px solid #dde4e7; border-left:4px solid #8a98a0; border-radius:10px; padding:13px 15px; font-size:13px; color:#607078; line-height:1.65;\"\u003e\n  \u003cstrong style=\"color:#46545b;\"\u003eLivestock Disclaimer\u003c\/strong\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 10px;\"\u003eDue to natural variation, the Pencil Sea Urchin you receive will be selected based on current availability and may range across species (Caribbean pencil urchin or Indo-Pacific slate pencil urchin) and color expressions including cream, reddish-brown, red-orange, and brick red. Specific species and color cannot be guaranteed and are determined at packing time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003ePhotographs are representative examples. Individual specimens may vary in size, spine length, and color intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eAs with all live animals, proper acclimation and a stable, established environment are essential for best results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macroalgae Farms","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49517551255811,"sku":"T5, T8, S7, I-Tank","price":19.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/7151\/7699\/files\/hf_20260825_190354_1_63bdefc4-bf8e-411c-b57a-71856cf9ff3b.jpg?v=1787766030","url":"https:\/\/www.macroalgaefarms.com\/products\/pencil-sea-urchin-algae-eater","provider":"Macroalgae Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}