Invertebrates
intermediateTuxedo urchin
Mespilia globulus
Quick reference
Min tank size
30 US gal
30 gal — small grazer but needs surface area.
Temperature
75–80 °F
Salinity
1.024–1.026 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Feeding
Algae grazer. Will eat nori sheets if available. Supplement with kelp-based pellets.
Compatibility
Reef-safe but bulldozes — bumps unsecured frags off rockwork at night.
What kills it
Sudden salinity change. Copper exposure. Improper drip acclimation.
Common mistakes
- •Not gluing down frags — urchin knocks them over within 48 hours.
- •Buying for hair algae — they prefer film algae and don't make a dent on GHA.
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Equipment & food for this species
Inverts need stable salinity — use a refractometer, not a hydrometer.
PE Mysis Shrimp — frozen
Whole-shrimp frozen food. Premium reef-tank standard.
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Refractometer for saltwater + calibration fluid
Calibrate with 35 ppt fluid monthly. Replaces hydrometers.
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