Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Blue Tuxedo Urchin

What did my BlueTuxedo Urchin decorated itself with this month?

It pulled on some red macro algae until it came loose. The Pulsing Xenia was already growing on the macro algae and couldn't help but come along for the ride. Now the urchin is making its way up the side of the tank to feast on the pink coralline patches growing there.
(Don't look too close; you may see some BGA on the algae. I've been working on that issue by changing out the carbon and Seachem biofilter matrix from the sump. Note to self: changed those out last weekend)
There are reports that Mespilia globulus also likes to eat algae, but I haven't seen any evidence of that here. If it's using the macro algae for camouflage, then the urchin will be attracting the attention of Tang and Pygmy Angels. Though, I haven't seen them nipping at its decor.
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