What is it ?

curly747 · 08/09/2013, 05:17 AM

I am new to marine aquariums and would love some help identifying this creature. I have two of them and I think they came with some live rock i bought from the fish shop. It mainly stays on the rocks but this is a picture of it on the glass. Its about the size of an Australian 5 cent coin or a bit bigger than a US penny. It moves around quite slowly. If viewed from the top i can make out a darker brown cross across its back. If anyone could tell me what it is and whether i need to be worried i would be very grateful.
Thanks

curly747 · 08/09/2013, 09:57 PM

Here is another picture with the unknown creature hitching a ride on a strombus. You can just make out the darker brown cross on top under the debris and algae it has collected. If anyone can help me out with an identification and whether its dangerous i would be very grateful.

Dino · 08/16/2013, 05:37 AM

Its a little urchin. Somebody else can probably give you more info on exact species.

pkane11384 · 08/16/2013, 06:38 AM

It's an urchin. Eats algae. Just don't plan on keeping anything that isn't glued down in place

thegrun · 08/16/2013, 09:59 AM

+1, they are fun to watch. They pick up all kinds of things (rocks, corals, chunks of algae...) and carry it around with them. They are great algae eaters but do disturb anything they can move.

08/09/2013, 05:17 AM	#1
curly747 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Sydney Posts: 4	What is it ? I am new to marine aquariums and would love some help identifying this creature. I have two of them and I think they came with some live rock i bought from the fish shop. It mainly stays on the rocks but this is a picture of it on the glass. Its about the size of an Australian 5 cent coin or a bit bigger than a US penny. It moves around quite slowly. If viewed from the top i can make out a darker brown cross across its back. If anyone could tell me what it is and whether i need to be worried i would be very grateful. Thanks

08/16/2013, 05:37 AM	#3
Dino Freak of Nature Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Finding my way back to the boondocks Posts: 11,048	Its a little urchin. Somebody else can probably give you more info on exact species. __________________ Cody I will love and miss you until the last beat of my heart Harley & Rusty.

08/16/2013, 06:38 AM	#4
pkane11384 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New York Posts: 323	It's an urchin. Eats algae. Just don't plan on keeping anything that isn't glued down in place __________________ BioCube 29 -AquaticLife 115, MP10ES, BioCube UV Light, InTank Media Basket, MJ1200, CRP Nano Reactor, AI Sol Blue -Occ. Clown, Yellowtail Damsel, PJ Cardinal, Yellow Coris Wrasse -Corals: LPS Domin

08/09/2013, 09:57 PM	#2
curly747 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Sydney Posts: 4	Here is another picture with the unknown creature hitching a ride on a strombus. You can just make out the darker brown cross on top under the debris and algae it has collected. If anyone can help me out with an identification and whether its dangerous i would be very grateful.

08/16/2013, 09:59 AM	#5
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	+1, they are fun to watch. They pick up all kinds of things (rocks, corals, chunks of algae...) and carry it around with them. They are great algae eaters but do disturb anything they can move.