Pin Cushion Urchin

Scientific Name: Lytechinus variegatus

Small Fish Safe: Yes

Invert Safe: Yes

Coral Safe: With caution – may dislodge frags while grazing

Adult Size: Up to 8 cm

Diet: Herbivore – feeds on algae, biofilm, and detritus

Why We Like It:

This compact urchin is an efficient algae grazer that stays active during the day, often camouflaging itself with substrate or shell fragments. It’s especially good in tanks battling film algae or nuisance growths. While generally reef safe, it may knock over loose coral frags as it grazes, so secure items well. A hardy and useful addition to clean-up crews in reef or FOWLR tanks.