Is my urchin ok?

[Kapachuka3]

So I got a tuxedo urchin about 5 days ago I think and I had somebody from a fish store come out and clean the tank and he said the urchin was completely fine, he had his spines out and everything when the guy was here. The urchin has now moved into this spot and stayed there for about 2 days with no spines showing is he ok?

 

[Cole.mormon]

@Jay Hemdal

 

[vetteguy53081]

With all the needles gone and not seeing it's moving- sounds like its done. Check your nitrates as 90% of the time urchins shed their spines due to high or elevated nitrates. They do not, like most invertebres, do well in elevated nitrate levels. If all his spines are gone, most likely he is dead from high nitrate concentration.
Make a decision, but before any toxins are released, place in a baggie and freeze it until garbage day.
Sorry to see this happen.
Test nitrates and please tell me what you come up with a reading

 

[Cole.mormon]

Plus 1

 

[Brett S]

he had his spines out

Urchins can’t take their spines in and out. The spines are just always there, unless the something ate them or the urchin is dying and they fell off.

 

[SMSREEF]

So sorry, but your urchin looks like it’s dead or dying.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

So I got a tuxedo urchin about 5 days ago I think and I had somebody from a fish store come out and clean the tank and he said the urchin was completely fine, he had his spines out and everything when the guy was here. The urchin has now moved into this spot and stayed there for about 2 days with no spines showing is he ok?

I would hold it near the surface (don't lift it out of the water) and give a sniff. If it is dead, you'll probably smell it. Also, look closely at the tube feet, if you see them moving, it may be o.k.

Jay

 

[Lizbeli]

Doesn’t look good. Most likely dead. He should be moving around and have his little sticky feet out. Mine is always in a different spot when I check the tank.

 

[Kapachuka3]

So sorry, but your urchin looks like it’s dead or dying.

Yeah he’s dead I just buried him

 

[Kapachuka3]

So I got a tuxedo urchin about 5 days ago I think and I had somebody from a fish store come out and clean the tank and he said the urchin was completely fine, he had his spines out and everything when the guy was here. The urchin has now moved into this spot and stayed there for about 2 days with no spines showing is he ok?

He died I just buried him

 

[SMSREEF]

So Sorry.
You should try another one.
Try and find one that is carrying things around because that’s a good sign it’s healthy.
Here is mine carrying around red Macroalgae it like to use to dress up.

 

[wenliu51]

Sorry to hear about your urchin. I have two. One urchin lost all his spikes (but didnt look as naked as yours). He barely moved but started growing back tiny spikes and looks like he's still kicking.

Get another!

 

[BZOFIQ]

These are super fun but they need a somewhat established tank. Your rocks look like there is plenty to eat so pick up another one or two and give it a go. Don't get anything big or they'll devour all available algae and starve.

Like someone already said, they don't retract their spines into the "body". When they lose them its usually (not always) a very bad sign.