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You are here: Home / Invertebrates / Captive Bred Inverts / Tuxedo Urchins for Hair Algae Control

Tuxedo Urchins for Hair Algae Control

by Kenneth Wingerter

Hair algae is not just one of the common forms of nuisance algae, it is also among the most difficult to eradicate. Indeed, despite the numerous options for biological algae control (i.e. herbivores), few “go after” hair algae. Thankfully, the select group of reliable hair algae eaters includes the beautiful and fascinating tuxedo urchins.

The tuxedo sea urchin is found on shallow tropical reefs, rubble flats and seagrass beds throughout the Indian Ocean and the Western Atlantic Ocean from Indonesia to Southern China and Japan. It is known to be a keystone species in coral reef habitats as it facilitates growth of reef-building corals by grazing heavily on filamentous algae. Its taste for these problematic algae also makes it a highly desirable member of any reef aquarium clean-up crew.

Mark of class

The blue tuxedo pincushion urchin (Mespilia globulus) is sometimes called the globe or sphere urchin. It sports five fat, dark bluish velvety bands. Its reddish counterpart (Mespilia cf globulus) is otherwise similar and just as attractive. Interestingly, the “red” variety has the same distinctive velvety blue patches; however, its spines have a much more reddish coloration. At present, the two are considered to belong to the same species. Both have very short spines, making them much safer and easier for home aquarists to handle. Both grow to around 7 cm in diameter. They get along just fine in groups; some hobbyists with larger systems enjoy keeping one or more of each color form for the sake of variety.

Tuxedo urchins (especially tank-bred specimens) are easily adapted to typical aquarium conditions. They are also surprisingly entertaining to watch. Most notably, they have a tendency to cover themselves in small items that they can pick up, including pieces of rubble, shells, seaweed, etc. It is not known for certain whether this is to armor themselves, to camouflage themselves, or for some other reason. Just know that they may pick any small object (including small frags or a thermometer) if it’s not glued down hard!

Keeping things trimmed

Where many snails, crabs, etc. won’t eat much (or any) hair algae, tuxedo sea urchins seem to relish it. Given that sea urchins are such well-known as herbivores to the average reef aquarist, it might be a little surprising how often they are overlooked in clean-up crews. Be aware though that they will eat nearly all varieties of macroalgae as well; even tougher, less palatable types such as chaeto are not necessarily safe around them. They therefore are not good candidates for the planted refugium!

Tuxedo urchin grazing activities are so thorough and so aggressive that they might leave visible scrape marks on the rock surface where they feed. They lodge themselves in crevasses or between rocks during the day. While not very active during the daytime, they “wake up” after dark and rove about the aquascape feeding on benthic algae. First-time sea urchin owners are oftentimes shocked by how much a single one of these creatures can eat in a single nocturnal foray.

Though it may take weeks to see a difference in algal coverage using other herbivores, tuxedo urchins leave small but distinctive scoured patches behind each and every night–until the hair algae is all but gone. Thus, they often require supplemental feedings in the form of dried algae or (better yet) offerings of live refugium macro in smaller tanks or where filamentous algae have been mostly consumed. After that point, it is highly recommended to supplement their diet with some sort of greens. Sinking algae wafers are just about perfect for this purpose, at least when material harvested from the ‘fuge isn’t available.

Tuxedo urchins vs hair algae

Green hair algae (or “GHA”) is a blanket term that refers to perhaps hundreds of species of benthic green filamentous algae. The only thing that they all have in common is that they are despised by aquarists. Prolonged battles against this scourge are common in the hobby, and sea urchins are proven to be an effective natural weapon to use against it.

Sure, there are a handful of sea urchin species available in the aquarium trade. Most of these are reef-safe, hardy and reasonably priced. But among them, the tuxedo urchin stands out as being extremely desirable. They are modest in size and so are useful in smaller tanks. Their spines are relatively short, reducing the chances of accidental injuries to the keeper. They are quite attractive as far as urchins go, and are even available in two different color morphs. And, unlike nearly all other sea urchin species in the trade, they are available as captive-bred!

Best of all, they don’t mess around when it comes to consuming hair algae. That’s a really good thing since GHA grows wicked fast and can destroy an otherwise gorgeous reef tank in no time. Go ahead and throw in the other herbivores—copepods, herbivorous snails and fish, certain crabs, etc. These animals will enhance GHA control since many of them can reach tight spots not reachable by the urchin. But for eliminating huge amounts of filamentous and other benthic algae fast, nothing works better than a tuxedo urchin.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Matthew says

    December 13, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    Very cool. Cool looking and super useful!

    Reply
    • Cameron says

      December 20, 2021 at 9:51 pm

      I’ve always wanted to get one

      Reply
  2. Paul Winchester says

    December 13, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    This is valuable information. I hadn’t considered an urchin before.

    Reply
    • Walter says

      December 13, 2021 at 7:10 pm

      Very possible for the near future

      Reply
  3. Paul says

    December 13, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    Love urchins! This is some awesome information.

    Reply
    • ibrianw0ng says

      December 28, 2021 at 9:56 am

      yes

      Reply
  4. Kevin Weisen says

    December 13, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    I have got to get one of these!

    Reply
  5. scottsfca says

    December 13, 2021 at 4:05 pm

    My pincushion got trapped between rocks and died so I just ordered a blue tuxedo to take his place.

    Reply
  6. Joshua Vaisman says

    December 13, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    Urchins are so cool….if only I didn’t have so many loose frags 😉

    Reply
  7. Jason Stuhmer says

    December 13, 2021 at 4:14 pm

    Love urchins!

    Reply
  8. Lynn says

    December 13, 2021 at 4:20 pm

    Love my tuxedo!

    Reply
  9. Lynn says

    December 13, 2021 at 4:21 pm

    such a fun species!

    Reply
  10. James says

    December 13, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    Never had an urchin but they look so cool.

    Reply
  11. Brandy says

    December 13, 2021 at 5:31 pm

    They are hilarious to watch. They wear the silliest of outfits. Mine is currently wearing a Xenia hat.

    Reply
  12. M says

    December 13, 2021 at 6:07 pm

    Cool stuff

    Reply
  13. M says

    December 13, 2021 at 6:09 pm

    Snazzy

    Reply
  14. Matthew Wyatt says

    December 13, 2021 at 6:43 pm

    I love mine but he likes to carry snails around lol

    Reply
  15. m says

    December 13, 2021 at 7:06 pm

    I need one

    Reply
  16. Matthew says

    December 13, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    This is great info too!! A+

    Reply
  17. Tim Brown says

    December 13, 2021 at 7:22 pm

    I almost bought one today.

    Reply
  18. Tim Brown says

    December 13, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    I almost bought one today!

    Reply
  19. Kevin Johnson says

    December 13, 2021 at 7:38 pm

    I will definitely look into them if I get another outbreak!

    Reply
  20. Stephen Killam says

    December 13, 2021 at 8:06 pm

    Love them. Mine scoots around with its Viking helmet!

    Reply
  21. Nancy says

    December 13, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    Cool

    Reply
  22. Arthur Mulanax says

    December 13, 2021 at 8:40 pm

    Look great but afraid that there isn’t enough algae for them to eat

    Reply
  23. Patricia Norris says

    December 13, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    Great little guy, as long as he’s not stealing frags for his new outfit.

    Reply
  24. Dan says

    December 13, 2021 at 9:12 pm

    I love them but every one I have dies! (Not from algae barn )

    Reply
  25. marshallbros59701 says

    December 13, 2021 at 9:19 pm

    Love the blue and reds

    Reply
  26. Dallas Tippie says

    December 13, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    I think I need to try this urchin — soon!

    Reply
  27. Ragnar Strait says

    December 13, 2021 at 9:55 pm

    I have one… theyre cool

    Reply
  28. Alex Merida says

    December 14, 2021 at 1:17 am

    Awesome and very informative article as always. Thanks algaebarn.

    Reply
  29. Jason Wheary says

    December 14, 2021 at 5:14 am

    I did a lot of research and the sea urchin was one of my first CUC additions to my tank. Not only are they good cleaners, it’s so funny watching them wear shells and stuff as hats as they clean your tank!

    Reply
  30. Tony Mutti says

    December 14, 2021 at 6:17 am

    I love tuxedo urchins, except they really do take a lot of food too remain healthy and they move your frags around.

    Reply
  31. Michgander reefer says

    December 14, 2021 at 6:21 am

    So cool I love the tuxedo I have

    Reply
  32. jhoffman says

    December 14, 2021 at 6:39 am

    Good information!

    Reply
  33. Menezes Industries says

    December 14, 2021 at 7:19 am

    Urchins are amazing for removing algae from your tank

    Reply
  34. Michael Pimental says

    December 14, 2021 at 7:40 am

    Awsome!!!

    Reply
  35. thedannorwood says

    December 14, 2021 at 8:03 am

    Great info!

    Reply
  36. Tanya Hayward says

    December 14, 2021 at 8:23 am

    I have a red urchin in my shopping cart and have been waiting to check out. This article makes me feel more comfortable with purchasing it and adding it to my aquarium. Great article.

    Reply
  37. heffeweissen says

    December 14, 2021 at 8:31 am

    Really interesting post!

    Reply
  38. Matt Howland says

    December 14, 2021 at 9:40 am

    Do they eat algae off sand?

    Reply
  39. Matt Howland says

    December 14, 2021 at 9:41 am

    Cool

    Reply
  40. Reginald(DJ) Kimble says

    December 14, 2021 at 9:47 am

    If tuxedo urchins keep hair algae in check perhaps they could help with my hair as well, talk about out of control!

    Reply
  41. William Zuk says

    December 14, 2021 at 10:52 am

    We happen to have a Blue Tuxedo Urchin named Lurch. He picks a new hat every week. Does a nice job cleaning!!!

    Reply
  42. Ellen says

    December 14, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    Need hats

    Reply
  43. Ellen says

    December 14, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    Need hats

    Reply
  44. Stella says

    December 14, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    Yep. Hats

    Reply
  45. Stella says

    December 14, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    Yep. Hats

    Reply
  46. James says

    December 14, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    Neat

    Reply
  47. Charles Folstrom says

    December 14, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    I need to try this urchin

    Reply
  48. Tiffany Hook says

    December 14, 2021 at 4:42 pm

    What great info I am going to look into getting one for my tank. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  49. Matt Armstrong says

    December 14, 2021 at 6:35 pm

    Nice read

    Reply
  50. Damian Thompson says

    December 15, 2021 at 8:10 am

    Good info

    Reply
  51. Dominic says

    December 15, 2021 at 9:59 am

    I love my tuxedo urchins! Will probably get another yet!

    Reply
  52. Griffin A says

    December 15, 2021 at 1:15 pm

    They literally leave lines of clean glass behind while cleaning coraline algae

    Reply
  53. Troy Feeken says

    December 15, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    +1

    Reply
  54. Mindy Nasi says

    December 15, 2021 at 5:44 pm

    My favorite part of a clean up crew!

    Reply
  55. Christopher Snyder says

    December 15, 2021 at 9:50 pm

    Very good

    Reply
  56. Scott J Halsey says

    December 15, 2021 at 10:35 pm

    They little wonder are great in my aquarium. I plan to get a couple more

    Reply
  57. Scott J Halsey says

    December 15, 2021 at 10:35 pm

    They little wonder are great in my aquarium. I plan to get a couple more

    Reply
  58. jr kiatvorakun says

    December 16, 2021 at 12:09 am

    Looks like a great option

    Reply
  59. Arthur says

    December 16, 2021 at 12:11 am

    So cute!

    Reply
  60. jeff.hershner says

    December 16, 2021 at 6:03 am

    Recently had a hair algae outbreak and added a tuxedo urchin. He did amazing work and helped me keep the algae at bay.

    Reply
  61. Keith Schoenfeldt says

    December 16, 2021 at 9:48 am

    Good information!

    Reply
  62. Joshua Dugger says

    December 16, 2021 at 4:40 pm

    I want like one or more.

    Reply
  63. Larry K Brazzell says

    December 16, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    Wow. Awsome stuff.

    Reply
  64. Larry K Brazzell says

    December 16, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    Wow. Awsome stuff. Good read thats for sure

    Reply
  65. Larry K Brazzell says

    December 16, 2021 at 5:47 pm

    I never knew about morphs.

    Reply
  66. Boy On The Shore says

    December 17, 2021 at 1:58 am

    I have a poisonous Hawaii Urchins in my tank

    Reply
  67. Larry K Brazzell says

    December 17, 2021 at 6:36 am

    Snazzy urchin. Great info.

    Reply
  68. Eric says

    December 17, 2021 at 6:38 am

    Poop machines lol

    Reply
  69. Jorge Cabrera says

    December 17, 2021 at 4:57 pm

    Very cool. Thanks for the informative article.

    Reply
  70. Jeffrey says

    December 17, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Awesome read!

    Reply
  71. Ashley Bridges says

    December 17, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    I want one so bad

    Reply
  72. Peter Davis says

    December 17, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    Urchins are cool

    Reply
  73. Jose says

    December 18, 2021 at 6:51 am

    Hardest working member of my clean up crew without a doubt.

    Reply
  74. Bob Trimper says

    December 18, 2021 at 7:51 am

    They are amazing – have one in each of my 3 tanks – hard workers!!

    Reply
  75. Kurt says

    December 19, 2021 at 7:55 am

    Love my tuxedo

    Reply
  76. Larry Brazzell says

    December 19, 2021 at 9:35 am

    I need a morph

    Reply
  77. Ryan says

    December 19, 2021 at 10:18 pm

    Very educational!

    Reply
  78. Tom Harbin says

    December 20, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    I usually love urchins but don’t think my little 15 gallon can support one.

    Reply
  79. Scott Wayne Christenson says

    December 20, 2021 at 4:36 pm

    Very useful info, thank you

    Reply
  80. Chad Parks says

    December 20, 2021 at 5:40 pm

    How would they do in a 16 gallon nano? I love to add one, but wouldn’t want it to starve.

    Reply
  81. Jeffrey Gaddie says

    December 20, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Going to look great in my 100 gal

    Reply
  82. stephen miller says

    December 20, 2021 at 6:21 pm

    Love them

    Reply
  83. Edgar Diaz says

    December 20, 2021 at 7:14 pm

    I have a Tuxedo Urchin, they are awesome and so helpful. Mine will carry small rocks and snails from time to time.

    Reply
  84. George S says

    December 20, 2021 at 8:18 pm

    I was worried about adding urchins in my reef I never had them before and didnt know anything about them. after some research I took the advice of a person I called at Algae Barn. She said they are great she had them in her reef and some other co workers had them also. I was still hesitant. Finally I pulled the trigger and got 3 I dont remember if I got the all at once. all were red. Best damn addition to any reef take. Man these guys do not fool around they go everywhere and consume algae like crazy. all over the rock work in caves on glass power heads any and all surfaces. all are alive and well. I never add nori for them. I have enough for them to eat naturally plus I do add algae pellets they many get some of that I dont really know but they are healthy and alive for 2 years now. I am moving my reef to a larger tank so i already bought 2 more but this time i got the blue one there really kind of of gray but there cool they pick up empty shells tiny empty snail shells and wear them like a hat for disguise.
    note get smaller ones so they can get in tighter places in your tank they will grow anyway.
    dont be without them

    Reply
  85. Mike Wakeen says

    December 21, 2021 at 6:55 am

    Need to get One

    Reply
  86. Mike Wakeen says

    December 21, 2021 at 6:56 am

    Cool

    Reply
  87. Alice Peach says

    December 21, 2021 at 7:29 am

    How big do they get?

    Reply
  88. stephen doerr says

    December 21, 2021 at 9:03 am

    I am about to get one from algaebarn in two days and I am excited to see if they solve my gha problem in my tank. Great article!!

    Reply
  89. Rob says

    December 21, 2021 at 9:26 am

    Love these guys- helped me with an awful hair algae outbreak

    Reply
  90. bhebbler says

    December 21, 2021 at 10:04 am

    I need this!

    Reply
  91. Jahr Turchan says

    December 21, 2021 at 10:34 am

    I would love to put a tuxedo urchin in my tank!

    Reply
  92. Shawn Cypher says

    December 21, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    Hats!

    Reply
  93. Christie Frazier says

    December 21, 2021 at 1:02 pm

    Very cool!!

    Reply
  94. Christie Frazier says

    December 21, 2021 at 1:02 pm

    Very cool!!

    Reply
  95. Christine says

    December 21, 2021 at 5:29 pm

    I’m gonna need like 3

    Reply
  96. Eric Mamola says

    December 21, 2021 at 6:02 pm

    Was thinking of picking a couple up now I will thanks.

    Reply
  97. Eric Mamola says

    December 21, 2021 at 6:02 pm

    Was thinking of picking a couple up now I will thanks.

    Reply
  98. Eric Mamola says

    December 21, 2021 at 6:03 pm

    Have to get a couple now.

    Reply
  99. Bruce says

    December 21, 2021 at 6:40 pm

    I need one of these critters!

    Reply
  100. Robert Edwards says

    December 21, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    That’s cool. thanks for the info

    Reply
  101. David Todorov says

    December 21, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    I love my tuxedo, he takes care of business like nothing else has in my nano.

    Reply
  102. Eric says

    December 22, 2021 at 9:53 pm

    Cool

    Reply
  103. Christy says

    December 23, 2021 at 8:51 am

    I have had 2 tuxedo urchins in my Biocube 32 for years . They do a great job. It’s always fun to see what they pick up next.

    Reply
  104. Greg Leinweber says

    December 23, 2021 at 8:52 am

    Very cool

    Reply
    • Greg Leinweber says

      December 23, 2021 at 8:58 am

      Would look good in that new tank

      Reply
  105. shrimppyshrimp says

    December 23, 2021 at 7:31 pm

    I have both a red and a blue they are so awesome to watch

    Reply
  106. shrimppyshrimp says

    December 23, 2021 at 7:57 pm

    My red one like to wear a suction cup

    Reply
  107. Juan Perez says

    December 24, 2021 at 9:47 am

    Had one a couple years ago. Dont think ill get another one.

    Reply
  108. Larry Brazzell says

    December 27, 2021 at 2:10 pm

    Great.

    Reply
  109. jason bohr says

    December 27, 2021 at 2:11 pm

    The love the algaebarn sea lettuce! its like a thanksgiving feast haha.

    Reply
  110. Martin Robinson says

    December 27, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    Was never a fan.

    Reply
  111. justan jenkins says

    December 27, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    Yes Please!

    Reply
  112. Joey says

    December 27, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    Loved mine

    Reply
  113. Amanda Rasberry says

    December 28, 2021 at 12:03 am

    🙂

    Reply
  114. Amanda Rasberry says

    December 28, 2021 at 12:04 am

    cool

    Reply
  115. Matt says

    December 28, 2021 at 10:15 am

    Love these guys. Can’t wait to get one soon.

    Reply
  116. Eric says

    December 28, 2021 at 4:16 pm

    I got one and he’s wearing legs from the molt of a hermit crab!

    Reply
  117. Jerome Morignot says

    December 29, 2021 at 12:59 am

    They wear everything they can find…even some poor snails trying to get away! But they are real lawn mowers…they leave the rocks super clean.

    Reply
  118. Jason Williams says

    December 29, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    Had a pincushion urchin for a couple of years and it was awesome! I think the tuxedo would be a little easier to clean around though. ha

    Reply
  119. Jennifer Van Camp says

    December 30, 2021 at 9:52 am

    Urchins rock, so much that I bought a new one from you! Go Little Feet, kick that algae’s butt!

    Reply
  120. sdpyle says

    December 31, 2021 at 10:06 am

    I’d love to get one, but worry about stuff getting moved around the tank. Once everything gets nailed down, I’ll likely have one.

    Reply
  121. Dusty says

    December 31, 2021 at 11:50 pm

    Keeping this in mind for my next tank!

    Reply
  122. Jose says

    July 16, 2022 at 7:03 pm

    Will Tuxedo Urchins eat coraline algae is what I’d like to know?

    Reply
    • Raven Scholtz says

      July 18, 2022 at 1:58 pm

      They can because they have a beak to scrape it off- usually there go to will be hair or slime algae first but fi it is in their way or everything else is depleted they will eat it.

      Reply

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