Tuxedo Urchin

The Tuxedo Urchin ( Mespilia globulus ) is one of the most attractive and popular sea urchins in reef aquariums. Its distinctive pattern of alternating blue or red and black segments—resembling a tuxedo—makes it a visually striking inhabitant. Smaller than the Diadema, it is better suited to medium-sized aquariums and is considered safer with frags and corals.

His role in the baccalaureate

An efficient grazer of filamentous and encrusting algae on rocks. Its unusual "decoration" behavior—collecting and carrying debris, shell fragments, and small objects on its body as camouflage—is amusing to observe. Less intensive than the Diadema, it is well-suited to balanced reef tanks.

Recommended conditions

• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• pH: 7.8–8.4 (normal natural day/night fluctuation in a reef tank)
• Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH — Calcium: 400–450 ppm
• Minimum volume: 100L

Behavior

Primarily nocturnal. Short spines—less of a risk for fragging than the Diadema. Can pick up and carry small objects. Harmless to corals and fish.

Compatibility

Compatible with most reef inhabitants. Avoid with triggerfish.