Broad velvet-blue bands separated by rows of short spines, and a habit of gluing shells and bits of rubble to itself as a hat. Charming, and the most efficient algae eater in the tank.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Scale / shell rot
- Nutritional deficiency
- Parasites
Care at a glance
- ExerciseLow
A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
- GroomingAttentive tank care
Sensitive to water quality โ stay on top of testing and maintenance.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceSome experience helps
A little know-how makes life smoother.
- Commitment3โ6 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Scale / shell rot ยท Nutritional deficiency ยท Parasites
๐ Care guide
The Tuxedo or Blue Tuxedo Urchin (Mespilia globulus) is an Indo-Pacific species reaching about 5 to 7 cm across. It has five broad bands of smooth blue or blue-green skin alternating with bands of short spines, and it frequently decorates itself with shells, rubble and bits of algae carried on its tube feet, which is thought to serve as camouflage. Keep it in an established reef of 100 litres or more at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, with stable calcium and alkalinity, no copper, and very slow drip acclimation. It grazes coralline, film and hair algae continuously and is genuinely excellent at the job, though in a spotless tank it will need supplementary dried algae. The honest caveats are practical rather than dangerous: it is a bulldozer that will knock over unglued frags and small rocks as it climbs, and it will scrape desirable coralline algae along with the nuisance kind. Its spines are short and it is not venomous.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Tuxedo Urchin?
Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer โ peaceful surroundings suit them best.
How much maintenance does a Tuxedo Urchin need?
Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality โ stay on top of testing and maintenance.
What tank size does a Tuxedo Urchin need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Tuxedo Urchin a good fit for first-time owners?
Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.
How long do Tuxedo Urchin live?
3โ6 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Tuxedo Urchin?
Keep an eye out for Scale / shell rot, Nutritional deficiency, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
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