Black spined urchin

I have recently got one of these a little over a month ago and my turbo snails are disappearing, I have not seen him eat them but am finding empty shells.

 

have you checked several hours after lights out for signs of hitchhiker crabs?

 

They are probably starving to death.Turbo snails and urchins are extremely efficient and will quickly rid a tank of all edible algae.Water quality is another thing to look at.

 

I agree with vin. I don't think your urchin is killing the snails. How old and how big is your tank.

BTW I have had my long black spined urchin for a couple of years. I think its thriving because my tank is large at 220 gallons. Careful around these guys though as they can be quite dangerous. Mine has sent me to ER before.

 

Tank is 80 gallons with 29 gal sump, and 2 years old and the snail shells are completely empty.