Orange Spine Sea Urchin Tripneustes Gratilla

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Orange Spine Sea Urchin – Tripneustes gratilla

Overview:
The Orange Spine Sea Urchin, also called the Collector Urchin, is a medium-to-large echinoderm known for its short, dense spines tipped in bright orange. It’s highly effective at algae control and is widely used in reef tanks as part of a clean-up crew.

Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines, Fiji, Hawaii, and the Great Barrier Reef, where it grazes on seagrass beds, rubble zones, and reef flats.

Feeding:

• Primarily an herbivore, grazing on film algae, macroalgae, and coralline algae.

• May accept dried seaweed (nori), spirulina, and sinking algae wafers when natural food is low.

Tank Mates:

• Reef-safe, does not eat corals.

• Avoid predatory species like triggerfish, puffers, and large Wrasses, which may nip at or eat urchins.

Aggression Level:
Peaceful. Non-aggressive, though it may accidentally dislodge small frags or unsecured rockwork while grazing.

Experience Level:
Intermediate. Hardy but requires a mature tank with established algae growth. Needs careful acclimation to avoid stress from salinity or pH shifts.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Tank Size: 50+ gallons

Unique Features:

• Dense, short spines tipped with orange give it a striking appearance.

• Like other collector urchins, it may carry shells, rubble, or algae on its back for camouflage.

• Plays a key role as an algae controller in reef aquariums.

✨ The Orange Spine Sea Urchin is a vibrant, hardy algae grazer and an excellent addition to well-established reef tanks, provided the aquarium is large enough and rockwork is secure.

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.

All livestock deliveries are subject to our full Delivery Terms & Conditions, please read before ordering.