Toxopneustes pileolus

(Lamarck, 1816)

Flower Urchin

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Size: 8 inches (20 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit reef rock and rubble areas and seagrass beds where it feeds on algae, bryozoans (tiny colonial organisms/moss animals) and organic detritus.

Aquarium Suitability: Rarely seen in the home aquarium trade.

Basically stays still, usually under ledges during daylight hours and when evening arrives, begins its search for food, usually algae and detritus.

Can be maintained in a reef or fish-only aquariums and if somewhat devoid of algae, small plaster-of-Paris feeding stones that contain seaweed and algae can sometimes help lengthen lifespans of these urchins in aquariums, as will sheets of Nori weighted down with small rocks.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Echinoides

Order: Temnopleuroida

Family: Toxopneustidae

Genus: Toxopneustes

FYI: Pretty, but very toxic to the touch!

Can delivery very painful stings that require medical attention!

This species is best left in the wild, however, is beginning to be seen in the trade as of 2017. Much caution is advised if this species is acquired for your aquariums!

Vulnerable to sudden salinity/specific gravity changes.

Triggerfish and large wrasses will eat these urchins.

Experience Level: Expert

Diet: Omnivore

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: Sensitive to specific gravity/salinity changes, therefore be sure to adjust the bag's water to that of the aquarium in which it will be placed by slowly adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every few minutes. In most cases, this process should take at least 15 minutes.

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4