Pink Urchin – Natural Algae Control for Reef Aquariums

A beautiful and hardworking addition to your reef clean-up crew.

The Pink Urchin  is a colorful marine invertebrate that combines natural algae grazing with a distinctive appearance. Its pink to purple coloration makes it an attractive addition to established saltwater aquariums.

As it moves across live rock and hard surfaces, this sea urchin grazes on algae and biofilm, helping support a cleaner reef environment.

Key Benefits

• Natural algae grazer for marine aquariums

• Attractive pink and purple coloration

• Helps control certain types of algae on live rock

• Excellent addition to a diverse clean-up crew

• Continuously explores and grazes aquarium surfaces

• Adds biodiversity to established reef systems

Aquarium Care

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Diet: Herbivore / Algae Grazer
Aquarium Type: Saltwater / Reef
Reef Compatibility: Generally reef compatible, with precautions
Recommended Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
Temperature: 75–79°F (24–26°C)
Recommended pH: 8.1–8.4

Feeding & Nutrition

Pink Urchins naturally graze on algae growing across aquarium rockwork.

In aquariums with limited natural algae growth, supplemental feeding with marine algae or nori may be necessary.

Avoid introducing an urchin into a system that cannot provide adequate food.

Reef Compatibility

Sea urchins are generally peaceful grazers, but their movement can dislodge unsecured coral frags, small rocks, or decorations.

Make sure coral frags and aquascaping structures are firmly secured before introducing an urchin.

Acclimation Recommendations

Sea urchins are sensitive to sudden changes in salinity and water chemistry.

Careful acclimation is essential. Avoid exposing the animal to air unnecessarily, and introduce it only into a mature, stable marine aquarium.

Francois Neo – AquariumPartner Insight

Sea urchins are among my favorite additions to a well-balanced reef clean-up crew.

They can reach algae-covered areas that are difficult to clean manually and provide continuous grazing activity.

However, every reef aquarium is different. I recommend choosing your clean-up crew according to the amount of available algae, the aquarium's maturity, and the other grazing animals already present.

A healthy clean-up crew is about balance, not simply adding more animals.

Livestock Notice

Each sea urchin is a living animal. Color, size, and appearance may vary between specimens.

Availability is subject to current livestock inventory. Proper acclimation and stable water parameters are essential for long-term success.