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Tuxedo Urchins for Hair Algae Control

by Kenneth Wingerter

Hair algae is not just one of the common forms of nuisance algae, it is also among the most difficult to eradicate. Indeed, despite the numerous options for biological algae control (i.e. herbivores), few “go after” hair algae. Thankfully, the select group of reliable hair algae eaters includes the beautiful and fascinating tuxedo urchins.

The tuxedo sea urchin is found on shallow tropical reefs, rubble flats and seagrass beds throughout the Indian Ocean and the Western Atlantic Ocean from Indonesia to Southern China and Japan. It is known to be a keystone species in coral reef habitats as it facilitates growth of reef-building corals by grazing heavily on filamentous algae. Its taste for these problematic algae also makes it a highly desirable member of any reef aquarium clean-up crew.

Mark of class

The blue tuxedo pincushion urchin (Mespilia globulus) is sometimes called the globe or sphere urchin. It sports five fat, dark bluish velvety bands. Its reddish counterpart (Mespilia cf globulus) is otherwise similar and just as attractive. Interestingly, the “red” variety has the same distinctive velvety blue patches; however, its spines have a much more reddish coloration. At present, the two are considered to belong to the same species. Both have very short spines, making them much safer and easier for home aquarists to handle. Both grow to around 7 cm in diameter. They get along just fine in groups; some hobbyists with larger systems enjoy keeping one or more of each color form for the sake of variety.

Tuxedo urchins (especially tank-bred specimens) are easily adapted to typical aquarium conditions. They are also surprisingly entertaining to watch. Most notably, they have a tendency to cover themselves in small items that they can pick up, including pieces of rubble, shells, seaweed, etc. It is not known for certain whether this is to armor themselves, to camouflage themselves, or for some other reason. Just know that they may pick any small object (including small frags or a thermometer) if it’s not glued down hard!

Keeping things trimmed

Where many snails, crabs, etc. won’t eat much (or any) hair algae, tuxedo sea urchins seem to relish it. Given that sea urchins are such well-known as herbivores to the average reef aquarist, it might be a little surprising how often they are overlooked in clean-up crews. Be aware though that they will eat nearly all varieties of macroalgae as well; even tougher, less palatable types such as chaeto are not necessarily safe around them. They therefore are not good candidates for the planted refugium!

Tuxedo urchin grazing activities are so thorough and so aggressive that they might leave visible scrape marks on the rock surface where they feed. They lodge themselves in crevasses or between rocks during the day. While not very active during the daytime, they “wake up” after dark and rove about the aquascape feeding on benthic algae. First-time sea urchin owners are oftentimes shocked by how much a single one of these creatures can eat in a single nocturnal foray.

Though it may take weeks to see a difference in algal coverage using other herbivores, tuxedo urchins leave small but distinctive scoured patches behind each and every night–until the hair algae is all but gone. Thus, they often require supplemental feedings in the form of dried algae or (better yet) offerings of live refugium macro in smaller tanks or where filamentous algae have been mostly consumed. After that point, it is highly recommended to supplement their diet with some sort of greens. Sinking algae wafers are just about perfect for this purpose, at least when material harvested from the ‘fuge isn’t available.

Tuxedo urchins vs hair algae

Green hair algae (or “GHA”) is a blanket term that refers to perhaps hundreds of species of benthic green filamentous algae. The only thing that they all have in common is that they are despised by aquarists. Prolonged battles against this scourge are common in the hobby, and sea urchins are proven to be an effective natural weapon to use against it.

Sure, there are a handful of sea urchin species available in the aquarium trade. Most of these are reef-safe, hardy and reasonably priced. But among them, the tuxedo urchin stands out as being extremely desirable. They are modest in size and so are useful in smaller tanks. Their spines are relatively short, reducing the chances of accidental injuries to the keeper. They are quite attractive as far as urchins go, and are even available in two different color morphs. And, unlike nearly all other sea urchin species in the trade, they are available as captive-bred!

Best of all, they don’t mess around when it comes to consuming hair algae. That’s a really good thing since GHA grows wicked fast and can destroy an otherwise gorgeous reef tank in no time. Go ahead and throw in the other herbivores—copepods, herbivorous snails and fish, certain crabs, etc. These animals will enhance GHA control since many of them can reach tight spots not reachable by the urchin. But for eliminating huge amounts of filamentous and other benthic algae fast, nothing works better than a tuxedo urchin.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  29. Jason Wheary says

    I did a lot of research and the sea urchin was one of my first CUC additions to my tank. Not only are they good cleaners, it’s so funny watching them wear shells and stuff as hats as they clean your tank!

    Reply

  36. Tanya Hayward says

    I have a red urchin in my shopping cart and have been waiting to check out. This article makes me feel more comfortable with purchasing it and adding it to my aquarium. Great article.

    Reply

  40. Reginald(DJ) Kimble says

    If tuxedo urchins keep hair algae in check perhaps they could help with my hair as well, talk about out of control!

    Reply

  60. jeff.hershner says

    Recently had a hair algae outbreak and added a tuxedo urchin. He did amazing work and helped me keep the algae at bay.

    Reply

  83. Edgar Diaz says

    I have a Tuxedo Urchin, they are awesome and so helpful. Mine will carry small rocks and snails from time to time.

    Reply

  84. George S says

    I was worried about adding urchins in my reef I never had them before and didnt know anything about them. after some research I took the advice of a person I called at Algae Barn. She said they are great she had them in her reef and some other co workers had them also. I was still hesitant. Finally I pulled the trigger and got 3 I dont remember if I got the all at once. all were red. Best damn addition to any reef take. Man these guys do not fool around they go everywhere and consume algae like crazy. all over the rock work in caves on glass power heads any and all surfaces. all are alive and well. I never add nori for them. I have enough for them to eat naturally plus I do add algae pellets they many get some of that I dont really know but they are healthy and alive for 2 years now. I am moving my reef to a larger tank so i already bought 2 more but this time i got the blue one there really kind of of gray but there cool they pick up empty shells tiny empty snail shells and wear them like a hat for disguise.
    note get smaller ones so they can get in tighter places in your tank they will grow anyway.
    dont be without them

    Reply

  88. stephen doerr says

    I am about to get one from algaebarn in two days and I am excited to see if they solve my gha problem in my tank. Great article!!

    Reply

  103. Christy says

    I have had 2 tuxedo urchins in my Biocube 32 for years . They do a great job. It’s always fun to see what they pick up next.

    Reply

  117. Jerome Morignot says

    They wear everything they can find…even some poor snails trying to get away! But they are real lawn mowers…they leave the rocks super clean.

    Reply

  118. Jason Williams says

    Had a pincushion urchin for a couple of years and it was awesome! I think the tuxedo would be a little easier to clean around though. ha

    Reply

  120. sdpyle says

    I’d love to get one, but worry about stuff getting moved around the tank. Once everything gets nailed down, I’ll likely have one.

    Reply

    • Raven Scholtz says

      They can because they have a beak to scrape it off- usually there go to will be hair or slime algae first but fi it is in their way or everything else is depleted they will eat it.

      Reply

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