What kind of urchin is this and is it reef safe?

[Tbg299]

I recently discovered this urchin that hitchhiked off some live rock that I ordered. I haven't been able to identify it. It roams around the glass, rock and sand, constantly eating algae. I'm concerned that it might eat my sps frags.

 

[AlgaeBarn]

I recently discovered this urchin that hitchhiked off some live rock that I ordered. I haven't been able to identify it. It roams around the glass, rock and sand, constantly eating algae. I'm concerned that it might eat my sps frags.

is it eating a gorgonian in that picture?

 

[Eagle_Steve]

I recently discovered this urchin that hitchhiked off some live rock that I ordered. I haven't been able to identify it. It roams around the glass, rock and sand, constantly eating algae. I'm concerned that it might eat my sps frags.

Looks like a Arbacia punctulata (purple urchin). They are primary algae eaters and will stay away from corals. They will eat gorgs and sponges as a secondary food source, if no alage is available for them.

 

[Tbg299]

is it eating a gorgonian in that picture?

Yes it is has been eating the gorgonian and coraline algae on this piece of rock today.

 

[Tbg299]

Looks like a Arbacia punctulata (purple urchin). They are primary algae eaters and will stay away from corals. They will eat gorgs and sponges as a secondary food source, if no alage is available for them.

Thank you for the quick response. I'm positive that's it.

 

[DiabloJP]

Resurrecting this thread to note that I just watched my Arbacia Punctulata eat an entire Montipora frag and most of an Acro frag in about 15 minutes. He mistook the frag rack for a buffet!

The urchin is also pretty well-fed, btw, and has been doing just fine for months. Apparently just had an SPS craving today.