urchin question

[thirty6]

just got one in mail from reef cleaners, after i acclimate for the 15 min

how do i put it in? just pick it up and place on rock or sand, or dont touch spikes its a pencil urchin if that matters

 

[jaa1456]

Urchins are not supposed to leave the water. The right way would be to move it in the water and into your tank, although that could introduce shipped water into the tank. But yes you can touch them just don't squeeze to hard and just sit it on the sand bed. It will take off from there. Try not to break any spines off of it.

 

[thirty6]

Thanks. Ill Put it on sand bed. Sort of ugly looking thing!

 

[jaa1456]

I have had mine going on 2 years now, I think it's a pretty cool addition.

 

[Cibo]

I did not know that they can not leave water I have had 2 for about 6 years and when they are near the top of the tank the kids like to hold them so I take them out for a few seconds then hold them back on the tank to they hold on and they go on their merry way!!

 

[thirty6]

Thats kinda cool. How do you pickm em p? I mean is there a proper way?

 

[fishman1069]

I had an urchin for a lil while, until I found the lil sucker carrying my frags around the tank. I always just grabbed it and picked it up. They really don't stab you unless you squeeze to hard.

 

[tunicata]

You probably shouldn't leave them out of water for extended periods just to hang out . Typically, they are in deeper waters that experience the lowest part of the tide-low tide zones. So, in life, in the wild, they may very well live out of water for a some hours but never fully dry out (often times it is hanging under a rock covered in seaweed).


Hm...picking them up? Well...in my last tank, and in the wild I tend to 'toggle' lightly. Like...holding them with thick gloves, and touching the sides with shorter/denser and blunter spikes between my middle finger and thumb and vibrating/shaking lightly back and forth. It always took a bit of time, but they always lived.

 

[Coralreefer1]

Some species of urchins, like your pencil urchin are not sharp, making it no threat to you by being stung or getting an infection. The Black Diadema Urchin, in my opinion, is the best urchin for a reef because it is not cumbersome and won't knock over corals and rock. You can pick these up carefully. Then their are other urchins that will sting you causing a rash, itching sensation or even a slight pain. Then their are the Fire Urchins, that should be not opicked up at all since they possess venom!
You should always try to reduce the time and likeliness of having your animal remaining out of water.