Rock-Boring Urchin
Echinometra mathaei
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 7 cm
- Min Tank
- 150 L
- Lifespan
- 5-10
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- peaceful; algae grazer; bores into rock for shelter; may dislodge small coral frags — use caution near frags; copper lethal
About
Echinometra mathaei is a hardy, short-spined urchin found throughout the Indo-Pacific that bores shallow depressions into live rock for shelter. An active grazer of coralline and filamentous algae, it is useful in established reef systems with excess algae growth. Caution is advised in tanks with delicate frags or small colonies, as it may dislodge them while grazing vigorously.
Care Guide
Minimum 150 L mature reef with plenty of algae on rock surfaces. pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.023–1.025, temperature 22–27°C. Primarily algae grazer — may need supplemental nori if algae supply runs low. Will bore shallow pits into live rock for shelter. Avoid placing near delicate coral frags. Reef-safe with established corals; may dislodge small frags. Copper treatments lethal.
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