Rainbow Urchin

he Radiating Hatpin Urchin boasts stunning coloration, but it is important to note that its spines can deliver a painful and venomous sting. The urchin’s long and sharp spines are constantly in motion and unevenly dispersed, often exhibiting orange and white bands that darken towards the tips, with electric blue dots adorning the body in radiating rows. In its natural habitat, this urchin serves as a refuge for a variety of other organisms, including commensal shrimp, crabs, and cardinalfish seeking protection from predators within the urchin’s spines during daylight hours. Witnessing this symbiotic relationship is truly remarkable! This is reef safe but may eat coraline algae if enough other algae is not available.