Pin Cushion Urchin — Lytechinus variegatus
The Lytechinus variegatus Pin Cushion Urchin is a small, striking reef invertebrate with a rounded body covered in short, vibrant spines, often featuring a mix of purple, green, or brown hues. Slow-moving and peaceful, it grazes on algae and detritus across rockwork and sand, helping maintain a clean tank while adding texture and visual interest to the aquarium. Its calm behavior and unique appearance make it an engaging addition for reef hobbyists.
Pin Cushion Urchins thrive in established reef tanks with stable water parameters, moderate water flow, and plenty of algae or surfaces for grazing. Introduce only to mature systems to ensure sufficient natural food availability. A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended to allow space for roaming and natural grazing behavior.
Their diet can be supplemented with algae-based foods from Julian Sprung’s Sea Veggies and finely powdered or pellet foods from San Francisco Bay Brand, Hikari, PE, TDO, and New Life Spectrum to support health and coloration. Target feeding helps maintain active grazing and vibrant spines.
Approximate product size: 1.5"–3" (varies by availability)
We maintain a rigorous, veterinarian-approved quarantine program that includes proactive treatments, careful observation, and daily monitoring to ensure the highest standards of invertebrate health. Our biosecurity practices reduce the risk of any cross-contamination between systems, meaning our livestock are ready for your display tanks.