Tuxedo Urchin

DEL 707 · Sep 15, 2026

I've got a big green hair algae problem, so I'm beefing up my clean up crew, among other things.

4 mexican turbo snails are already on they're way in the post, but I was chatting to my LFS today and they recommended a tuxedo urchin.

Doing a little research, they seem ideal for the job.

Would 1 be o.k in a 250l?
Is there anything I should be careful about?

Euphylliaphyle · Sep 15, 2026

They're a good choice. One should be fine in 250l. Probably 2 would be okay, but you may need to re-home one of them if they clear the algae too fast. Note that they may pick up frags that are not glued down and wear them as hats! I had one Purple & White Urchin that developed a taste for zoas, though. But it was not a Tuxedo. Expect the unexpected. They are entertaining!

flashsmith · Sep 15, 2026

Urchins are the only clean up crew I use. Snails and crabs need constant replenishment it seems. Urchins will survive for a very long time. And just a couple will replace dozens of snails. The downside is if you want coraline algae you won’t have any with urchins in your tank. I don’t particularly like the look of it covering the back glass and everything else so they work for me.