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View Full Version : Urchin ID please...Possible Fire Urchin

Trickman2
05/20/2006, 07:14 PM
Was hoping to get a ID and true Scientific name on this guy. I believe it is a Asthenosoma group but not 100 percent sure. But I don't plan on poking myself to find out................. thanks in advance.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/24079Urchin-ID32.jpg

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/24079Urchin-ID12.jpg
Jayreefer
05/21/2006, 02:55 AM
I have the same urchin. The aquarium in long beach has one as well. It is not a fire, but it is posinious. saltwaterfish.com sells them as rainbow uchins. It is a decorator. Mine is very active. I have held him, but that was before I found out it was dangerous. Don't let it puncture the skin.
Trickman2
05/21/2006, 06:20 AM
Any Idea on the Scientific name for this little guy?
LeslieH
05/21/2006, 10:28 AM
It doesn't seem to have longer white spines around the base which would rule out Asthenosoma. Is it from the Indo-Pacific? I think it's more likely to be Salmacis belli which has uniformly short banded spines with reddish bases. This urchin is in a different family than Asthenosoma so it might not be poisonous.
Trickman2
05/21/2006, 10:35 AM
Thats what the dealers invoice said INDO pacific Pincushion red.
Trickman2
05/21/2006, 10:36 AM
Sweet I think you nailed it....What else do you know about this Urchin?
LeslieH
05/21/2006, 10:41 AM
It prefers areas with sea grass & rubble. Sounds like it's an herbivore although I don't know that for sure.
Trickman2
05/21/2006, 10:44 AM
Few more Pictures
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/24079Urchin-IDclose2.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/24079Urchin-IDcolors.jpg
Trickman2
05/21/2006, 10:46 AM
Is it venomous???
LeslieH
05/21/2006, 10:52 AM
I didn't find any references about it having venom but don't take my word for it - I just may not have enough references! Looks like you have enough algae for it assuming it is a herbivore.
Trickman2
05/21/2006, 11:02 AM
Got a response from Ron Shimek Same response and he said they are not particulary venomous. So I am pretty happy about that.
Thanks for the Help
AdidaKev
05/22/2006, 11:47 AM
All other things aside, that is a beautiful urchin! :)
cone9
06/28/2006, 12:45 AM
Beautiful urchin! Nice find.

I just got this one a couple days ago and am trying to find more info. I think it is Astropyga radiata ( http://www.edge-of-reef.com/echinoidi/ECHAstropygaradiataen.htm )

btw, how did you contact Ron? If you have an e-mail addy, would you PM it to me?

Dave

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/cone9/Reefer%20Madness/01010471.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/cone9/Reefer%20Madness/01010480.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v94/cone9/Reefer%20Madness/01010477.jpg