Urchin Info

[fijiblue]

Does anyone have any info on this little guy?

[redvipe2010]

I don't know much about them, but you may find what you are looking for here:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/urchinsii.htm

[fijiblue]

Couldn't find an ID. I remember seeing info before on them, but I can't remember where. Internet turned up nothing. I think they are poisonous, but I am not sure.

[fijiblue]

No one else?

[seachel71]

Pencil urchin? How big is it... cute little bugger.

[paininthewrasse]

Def not a pencil sea urchin

[fijiblue]

No bigger than a nickel. I have it in a bag right now and I am afraid to put it in my tank. I swear I saw they were poisonous, but I want to be sure...if not it is a sweet little urchin!

[kh6sat]

Its not a pencil urchin. I got 4 of those in my tank.

[Musho3210]

looks cool though.....

[fijiblue]

kh6sat- you have pencil urchins or one like this?

[ostrow]

I'd be wary, #1, and I'd send the photo with the question to Bob Fenner and to Dr. Ron (find him yourself, RC doesn't look fondly on linking to him) at their respective websites.

You may have luck here in the inverts forum but I'd head to those two, and keep this out of your display.

[fijiblue]

Ostrow - I sent a pic of it to Mr. Fenner and Mr. Calfo. I posted in the invert section with no luck. And yes, I agree...until I know for sure, he will keep getting reoxed in his bag

[Ray Whisperer]

Fiji, I think I have atleast narrowed it down to the genus. There is a pic, but no species name.

It's possibly a Echniothrix for sure, and possibly calamaris.

Scroll down in the link to the section titled similar species. It has a Echniothrix pictured(exactly like yours), and also describes a Diadema species. It tells that both have banded spines, but only Echnothrix have tubular spines. It would also seem, they are somewhat poisonous. It says they can inflict painful stings, but nothing more.
http://www.edge-of-reef.com/inggris/laben.htm

[Ray Whisperer]

Sorry, something went wrong on the link... It takes you to the home page. On the left side, near the top, you'll see Urchins. Click on the symbol, just to the right of that. At the bottom of the urchin page there is a link for all 21 species, click there. Scroll down to Echniothrix calamaris and click on that. Then scroll down to the pic I posted about above.
HTH.

[fijiblue]

Thanks Ray Whisperer! Fenner and Calfo didn't even have a clue on what it was. Seems that it is pretty common. I was hoping something would turn up soon cause he still is being rebagged everyday!

[fijiblue]

That last comment didn't sound right...I meant the urchin was common . He is up for grabs if anyone is interested. I don't think he is reef safe nor do I want to risk my tank. PM if interested.

[Musho3210]

talk to a scientist, wouldnt it be awsome that you discovered a new species..... Of course i am so tired that i probably act drunk....

[Ray Whisperer]

Well heck, I'm interested.
PMing you now.

[Stingray702]

Fiji, Put the Christmas Ornament Away. You have ray way to excited over that piece of Glass.

[desjardiniidj]

Originally posted by fijiblue
That last comment didn't sound right...I meant the urchin was common . He is up for grabs if anyone is interested. I don't think he is reef safe nor do I want to risk my tank. PM if interested.

Fenner and Calfo are no match for Gus! a.k.a. Ray Whisperer.......

[fijiblue]

Musho3210 - that would be sweet!

desjardiniidj - that goes without saying...Gus is the man! Im trading him some very rare limited edition Red Planaria for the urchin. He said he only sells 5 of them a year! I feel like I am totally ripping him off!

[desjardiniidj]

Originally posted by fijiblue

desjardiniidj - that goes without saying...Gus is the man! Im trading him some very rare limited edition Red Planaria for the urchin. He said he only sells 5 of them a year! I feel like I am totally ripping him off!

Don't feel bad. He is really easy to take advantage of. He's also a uber-cool guy!

[Ray Whisperer]

Originally posted by desjardiniidj
Don't feel bad. He is really easy to take advantage of. He's also a uber-cool guy!

You should know. After all, I think it was you who took advantage of me at Tonya's post-tour ball.
Thanks for the compliments though.

[Anthony Calfo]

Hmmm, interesting... I'm looking at our emails with you and see that I wrote you a full paragraph on photo tips for helping others to help you with photo IDs... and that Bob clearly answered your question:

Re: urchin ID - couldn't find it in the archives... Antoine and RMF input
jartanyon wrote:
Found this little guy and thought he might be poisonous...any ideas?
Justin
>IDs from pics are often difficult. If you have the time/interest... do check out some photography forums for advice, too, my friend. With a few good pointers you could greatly improve your image taking. Maybe we can help
here: what kind of camera are you using? (and do get an off-camera cord for that flash to hold it from above, my friend... a huge help right there)
(Good advice)
The problem with the pic sent is that your subject comprises only a fraction of the frame (always get as close to your subject as possible for these types of shots, and in general).
(Ditto)
As for the focus... with stronger light (from above or above-angled) you could increase your shutter speed and likely get a sharper image. Better yet... please use a tripod.
(As well)
Without a clear pic, its hard to say what genus let alone species this might be.
kindly, Anth-<
(is likely a juvenile Eucidaris species... family Cidaridae, not venomous as the toxopneustids...
Bob Fenner)

------------------

Yoru original question is also archived on WWM (we archive everything useful for the benefit of other/fellow hobbyists). Your query and answer have been archived appropriately on the "Urchin identification" page:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/urchinidfaqs.htm

It seems rather innacurate if not unkind that you'd say "Fenner and Calfo didn't even have a clue on what it was," to folks that gave you a fast and personal response to your query.

[aiko670]

whoops..