{"product_id":"rock-boring-urchin","title":"Rock-Boring Urchin","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Rock Boring Urchin (commonly \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eEchinometra\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e species) is a small reef urchin found throughout tropical reef systems where it naturally wedges itself into rock crevices and limestone structures. Over time, these urchins slowly grind and excavate rock surfaces using their specialized mouthparts, creating protective burrows where they spend much of the day sheltered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIn reef aquariums, Rock Boring Urchins are valued for their algae-grazing behavior and ability to clean film algae, microalgae, and some nuisance growth from rockwork. They are primarily nocturnal and will often remain hidden during the day before becoming more active after lights out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate – Requires stable rockwork and adequate algae availability\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 30+ gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAquarium Setup:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Established reef aquarium with mature live rock and moderate water flow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRock Boring Urchins do best in mature aquariums with abundant natural grazing surfaces. They require stable rockwork, as they may wedge themselves tightly into crevices while grazing or hiding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRock Boring Urchins are herbivorous grazers that spend most of their time feeding on algae growing across rock surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Herbivore – Consumes algae and biofilm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural film algae and microalgae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNori or dried seaweed sheets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina-based herbivore foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlgae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIn cleaner aquariums with limited algae growth, supplemental feeding is often necessary to prevent starvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLifespan \u0026amp; Growth Rate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 5–10 years\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Slow to Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGiven stable conditions and a consistent food source, they can live for many years and remain active algae grazers throughout their lifespan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e Peaceful – Non-aggressive grazer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReef Safe?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Mostly Yes (with caution)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRock Boring Urchins are generally reef safe and do not intentionally harm fish or corals. However, they may occasionally dislodge unsecured frags, small rocks, or decorations while moving through the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eLike many urchins, they may also pick up loose debris, shells, or frags on their spines as camouflage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Challenges \u0026amp; Considerations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRock Excavation:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver long periods, they can slowly erode softer rock surfaces while creating hiding areas and grazing pathways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLoose Frags \u0026amp; Decorations:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStrong movement and climbing behavior may knock over unsecured coral frags or unstable rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAlgae Availability:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTanks that are too clean may not provide enough natural grazing material, requiring supplemental feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePump \u0026amp; Overflow Hazards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUrchins can become injured by exposed pump intakes or overflows. Guards are recommended when possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater Conditions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 75–77°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003edKH (Alkalinity):\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 8–9\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003epH:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 8.1–8.3\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eStable water chemistry with sufficient calcium and alkalinity helps support healthy spine and skeletal growth over time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TSA Inverts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51490323792170,"sku":"URCHINxRock","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-inverts-rock-boring-urchin-1235118291.png?v=1777757052","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/rock-boring-urchin","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}