The Variegated Sea Urchin grows to 4 inches in diameter regularly in captivity. It spines stretch it out to nearly 5 inches in diameter. Because of its large size it can/will be a bulldozer around small coral frags. They also like to wear loose objects, (including snails and hermits), as camoflage. THEY ALSO SCRATCH ACRYLIC Putting empty shells on them to wear reduces this tendency. They will mow down any and all edible macroalgae as they grow. Their definition of edible algae is pretty expansive, and they eat calcified algae as well. We try to ship them around 3 inches in diameter to make shipping affordable. At that size they are still pretty formidable against algae.
 

When these animals reach adult size they are only for the very largest of reefs with very stable structure, touch tanks, or large fish only with live rock tanks. (FOWLRs) If this doesn't describe your tank, make sure you have a plan to donate them to a local fish store, or to a friend when you can o longer properly keep them.

*This item should be shipped via Express Mail only to overnight locations. To check if Express Mail is overnight to your location click here. If shipping to your location takes longer that next day, there is no Alive Arrival guarantee on this item. (Make sure to change the shipping date)