Atlantic Pencil Urchin

[fishgirlheather]

I purchased an Atlantic Pencil Urchin a month ago, and he is doing great. He is about 5'' in diameter. I have been feeding a piece of frozen krill every day. Does anybody know of anything else I can feed him so that he can get the proper nutrition?

[Craig Manoukian]

I've never had an urchin, but aren't they algeavores?

[reefman_MC]

Atlantic pencil urchins feed mainly on detritus and small amounts of algae. I think you sould be ok feeding him what your feeding now and letting him eat the detritus and algae in your tank. If you want you could feed him silversides soaked in Selcon. That would be very nutritious and it will make him grow faster.

[fishgirlheather]

Thanks for the reply. I was just wondering, what are silversides?

[JOER0178]

silversides are a fish you can use as food:
from www.sfbb.com/products/fishfoodproducts.htm
"Silversides
This saltwater "lance fish" is a proven favorite for freshwater and marine predators. It is high in HUFAS. Especially excellent for saltwater and coldwater fish, a must to promote the longevity of your fish.

88081 Frozen 100 gram
88083 Frozen 8 oz.
88084 Frozen 16 oz.

[reefman_MC]

Joers got it down.

[Craig Manoukian]

Whare do get live silversides?

[fishgirlheather]

My urchin is almost always hungry, how often should I feed him?

[reefman_MC]

My LFS carries silversides. I'm not sure where else you can get them. You can probably feed the urchin every other day. He won't starve to death. He'll feed on your detritus and your algae mainly.