Pincushion Urchin (Lytechinus variegatus)

Lytechinus variegatus is basically the urchin version of witness protection — it grabs shell fragments, algae, and whatever debris is lying around with its tube feet and piles it on top of its test, camouflaging itself from predators and UV exposure alike. Short, dense spines cover a body that runs from green to white to the deeper purple sold here, and it grazes algae off rock and glass around the clock with no regard for lights-on or lights-off. A solid reef cleanup pick, though it will occasionally bulldoze a frag while foraging.

Care level: Easy · Temperament: Peaceful · Max size: ~4" body · Min tank: 30 gal · Reef safe: With caution (may knock over frags) · Diet: Herbivore, algae