Tuxedo Urchin (Mespilia globulus)

Tuxedo Urchin (Mespilia globulus)

Avalable for local pickup only

 

The Tuxedo Urchin is a small, spherical sea urchin named for its elegant appearance — a dark, “tuxedo-like” body accented with bright blue, red, or black bands. This reef-safe invertebrate is both beautiful and beneficial, acting as a natural algae grazer that helps keep live rock and tank surfaces clean. Its habit of carrying small shells, coral fragments, or bits of algae on its back adds a touch of personality and charm to any marine aquarium.

 

Care Level: Easy
Hardy and low-maintenance, Tuxedo Urchins are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists looking to maintain a clean, healthy reef environment.

Temperament:
Peaceful and non-aggressive. These urchins coexist well with most reef fish, corals, and invertebrates. They may occasionally dislodge unsecured coral frags or rock pieces while foraging.

Lighting Requirements:
No specific lighting needs — they adapt well to any reef lighting setup. Bright lighting indirectly benefits them by promoting natural algae growth for grazing.

Water Flow:
Moderate water flow is ideal. Strong currents help keep algae growth steady but should not be so powerful that it impedes the urchin’s movement across rockwork.

Tank Size:
Minimum 30 gallons. Provide stable rockwork and enough live rock surfaces for grazing. Larger tanks support better algae availability and long-term health.

Placement & Habitat:
Tuxedo Urchins roam the entire aquarium — rocks, glass, and substrate — in search of algae. Ensure plenty of stable rockwork and avoid loosely placed corals that could be knocked over as they move.

Diet:
Primarily herbivorous. They graze continuously on microalgae, coralline algae, and film algae. In tanks with limited natural algae, offer nori sheets, dried seaweed, or algae wafers to supplement their diet.

Feeding:
Supplement feeding as needed 3–4 times per week if algae growth is minimal. Secure food near their path or rock surfaces for easy access.

 

Reef Compatibility:
Reef Safe. Completely safe with corals, fish, and most invertebrates. May occasionally move small frags or loose coral plugs while traveling.

 

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Calcium: 400–450 ppm

• Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm

• Nitrates: <10 ppm

 

Behavior & Compatibility:
Active mostly during the evening and night, though some may graze throughout the day. They’re social grazers and can be kept in groups in larger tanks with sufficient algae. Avoid housing them with aggressive crabs or predatory fish that may nip at their spines.

 

Highlights:
✅ Natural algae controller
✅ Peaceful, reef-safe, and hardy
✅ Adds personality and movement to the tank
✅ Beautiful, colorful banded shell patterns

 

Fun Facts

• Name origin: Called “Tuxedo Urchin” for its dark, banded pattern that resembles a tuxedo suit.

• Backpackers of the reef: They decorate themselves with shells, coral rubble, or algae to camouflage and protect against predators.

• Eco helpers: Constant grazing helps control nuisance algae and maintain a clean reef environment.

• Color variations: Found in blue, red, black, and mixed color morphs — all equally stunning.

• Natural cleaners: Their constant scraping encourages healthy coralline algae growth on rock surfaces.

• Peaceful by nature: Unlike long-spined urchins, Tuxedo Urchins rarely puncture skin and are easy to handle carefully.

• Slow and steady: They move methodically across rocks and glass using tube feet and tiny spines — a fascinating sight in motion!

• Long-lived: With stable conditions and enough food, they can live for 3–5 years or longer in captivity.