Purple Pin Cushion Urchin

Purple Pin Cushion Urchin (Lytechinus variegatus)
The Purple Pin Cushion Urchin is a vibrant, hardy urchin known for its striking purple spines and compact size. Native to Caribbean and Florida reefs, it grazes on algae, biofilm, and detritus, helping keep rockwork and sand clean. Peaceful and easy to care for, these urchins thrive in established tanks with stable water conditions and plenty of surfaces to explore. Their bold color and small footprint make them a visually stunning and charming addition to reef and fish-only setups.

Quick Facts:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Maximum Size: ~2–3 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Herbivore/Omnivore (algae, biofilm, detritus)
• Reef Safe: Yes