Armadillo Sea Urchin Colobocentrotus Sp

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Armadillo Sea Urchin – Colobocentrotus sp.

(Also called the Helmet Urchin, Shingle Urchin, or Armored Urchin)

Overview:
Unlike typical spiny urchins, the Armadillo Urchin has a smooth, domed shell covered with flattened, tile-like plates rather than sharp spines. These plates interlock like armor, giving it an armadillo-like appearance and making it incredibly resistant to the crashing surf of wave-swept rocky shores. Its strange armored body allows it to cling tightly to rocks, even in areas of strong currents where other urchins cannot survive.

Origin:
Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific, often found in high-energy, wave-exposed rocky coasts.

Feeding:

• Primarily an algae grazer.

• Scrapes microalgae and films off rocks with its strong teeth (Aristotle’s lantern).

• In aquariums, will consume nori, spirulina, and microalgae growth.

Tank Mates:

• Peaceful, not aggressive toward fish or invertebrates.

• Reef safe in terms of not eating corals, but may disturb rockwork or corals while moving.

Aggression Level:
Peaceful – fully armored but not predatory.

Experience Level:
Intermediate. Easier to keep than venomous species like Asthenosoma varium, but requires strong water flow and plentiful algae.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Tank Size: 75+ gallons (needs lots of rock and grazing space)

Unique Features:

• Flattened plate-like “spines” form a shell-like armor.

• Often looks like a living rock or seashell when seen from above.

• One of the few urchins specialized for extreme wave zones.

• Very rare in the aquarium trade due to its specialized habitat.

✨ The Armadillo Sea Urchin is one of the most unusual echinoderms, valued for its armored, spiny-free look. It’s more of a collector’s specimen than a common reef inhabitant.

Above images for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.

Please note: The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Swell shop, or available for collection from the shop. Species sold at our Swell store will differ from ones available to order to your door.

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