ORA Aquacultured Variegated Urchin (Lytechinus variegatus)

Add a hardworking and fascinating grazer to your reef with the ORA Aquacultured Variegated Urchin. Also considered a type of pincushion urchin, Lytechinus variegatus is an effective herbivore that spends its time roaming rockwork and aquarium surfaces in search of nuisance algae. ORA notes that supplemental macroalgae should be provided when the aquarium does not contain enough natural algae to support its grazing.

Native to tropical waters of the Western Atlantic, Variegated Urchins naturally inhabit shallow seagrass flats and sandy environments. Their useful grazing behavior and unusual appearance make them an interesting addition to established marine and reef aquariums.

Care Information

Scientific Name: Lytechinus variegatus
Common Name: Variegated Urchin
Type: Pincushion Urchin
Aquaculture: Aquacultured
Breeder: ORA
Approximate Purchase Size: 1–2 Inches
Maximum Size: Approximately 4 Inches
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Herbivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Recommended Tank Size: 30 Gallons or Larger

Natural Algae Grazer

Variegated Urchins are active herbivores that can help control nuisance algae throughout an established aquarium.

If natural algae becomes limited, supplement their diet with appropriate marine algae or macroalgae to ensure they continue receiving adequate nutrition.

Unique Covering Behavior

One of the coolest things about these guys is their habit of picking up and carrying objects with their tube feet. Small shells, rocks, pieces of macroalgae, and other loose material may end up riding around the aquarium on top of your urchin. ORA notes that this behavior may provide camouflage or protection from UV exposure.

Because of this behavior and their grazing, secure loose coral frags and unstable decorations before introducing an urchin.

Aquarium Care

Provide an established saltwater aquarium with stable water parameters, plenty of grazing surfaces, and sufficient algae or supplemental food.

Like other marine invertebrates, urchins should be carefully acclimated and should not be exposed to copper-based medications.

Aquacultured by ORA

These Variegated Urchins are aquacultured by ORA, which has commercially produced Lytechinus variegatus for the aquarium industry.

This listing is for ONE Variegated Urchin. Coloration and appearance naturally vary, and product photos may show examples rather than the exact individual received. The supplier lists the approximate purchase size as 1–2 inches.

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