Keeping longspine urchins in reef tanks

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I used to maintenance a tank at a car dealership that had a large black longspine urchin in it. Even though he was around 10 inches in diameter he would hide in-between the rocks and always stab you when you least expect it. While they are great algae eaters it seems a little risky keeping one in anything smaller then 200 gallons.

 

[KrisReef]

I used to help out at a LFS that would put them in their tanks. They were easy not to see but not difficult to know when I had overlooked one. I recall reaching in to a tank to move something and ending up with a number of spines broken off in my hands before I realized that the pincussion was occupying that space.

 

[Nordy]

Indigenous island cultures I believe recommend peeing on the spots where barbs get embedded, If say on your hand. Don’t have first hand experience, however, first aid intervention while doing as nature intended, I would be good jettisoning a bit of oneself’s spent hydration for extra, extra relief.

 

[Paul B]

I kept this one for about 12 years with no problems, except of course the spines I did get in my fingers. When I used to SCUBA dive I used to get these spines in my all the time. They hurt but disolve in time.

 

[Nordy]

Nice picture Paul!!

 

[Nordy]

I’ve never tried Uni. There’s a surge of CB Sunflower Sea-stars being released I think by UW biologist to control there population in NW waters to help control kelp bed decline. I had a Tuxedo once, but lost him after 4-5 months. Fascinating when they cover their spines with there surroundings they forage through.