Uhhhh....exactly how big do long spined urchins get?

[Anonymous]

I got one for my 120 a few months ago, and it has double in size! I look at the crevice it used to retreat to when I first got it, and there's no way it could ever cram itself into there again. Was probably 5 inches when I got it; now probably around 10 inches. Looking a bit large for the tank.

If anybody has never seen one in person, they are remarkably beautiful. Deep black, with brilliant blue spots, crazy black alien whips flagellating around. Much more active than my tuxedo urchin.

Seems totally reef safe, and not a bulldozer.

 

[mountainbiker619]

One of my lfs's has one that is easily bigger than a basketball.

 

[Anonymous]

It never occurred to me that this thing would grow so fast....

 

[vair]

Mine have grown fast as well, when I think they are getting to big fro the tank I just take it back to my LFS and trade it in for the smallest one they have.
My favorite is when somebody is checking out the tank and they freak out 'cause the black spinny thing has balls coming out of his eye! Always good for a laugh.

dave

 

[Anonymous]

yup quite large - dealt with many that would just be a bear to handle and could only be transported in 5 gallon buckes cuz no bag would hold em. Had many do numbers on my hands too. Keep some vinegar handy if you need to handle him.

 

[Anonymous]

When I was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico a few years ago, we saw them on the rock jettys that were easily the size of beach balls (spine to spine...bodies probably the size of a volleyball).