Red Tuxedo Urchin (Mespilia globulus)

The Red Tuxedo Urchin is a beautiful and unique variation of the popular Tuxedo Urchin, distinguished by its striking red spines and “tuxedo” pattern. Known for its effective algae-grazing behavior, this urchin helps keep tank surfaces clean and is an excellent addition to a reef tank’s cleanup crew. With its peaceful nature, vibrant coloration, and camouflaging behavior, the Red Tuxedo Urchin is both functional and decorative, adding visual interest to any marine aquarium.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 3 inches in diameter.
• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum; suitable for nano tanks or larger setups, with plenty of live rock for grazing.
• Diet: Herbivorous; primarily feeds on algae, including hair algae and film algae. It may also benefit from supplemental feedings of dried seaweed or algae wafers if natural algae is scarce.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; the Red Tuxedo Urchin is non-aggressive and compatible with various tankmates, including fish, corals, and other invertebrates.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; hardy and easy to care for, making it a suitable choice for aquarists of all experience levels.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or other invertebrates, making it an excellent and safe choice for reef tanks.

Special Feature - Camouflage Behavior
The Red Tuxedo Urchin has a charming habit of camouflaging itself by picking up small shells, rocks, and pieces of algae, which it carries on its back for extra protection. This behavior adds a unique character to the tank, as the urchin moves around with its “decorations” on display.

Compatibility
This urchin is peaceful and ideal for reef tanks. It coexists well with a variety of tankmates, including other peaceful invertebrates and fish, and provides beneficial algae control without harming corals.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Red Tuxedo Urchin features vibrant red spines set against a dark, often blue or black body. This unique coloration and pattern give it the characteristic “tuxedo” appearance and make it a visually striking addition to any aquarium​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Red Tuxedo Urchin is commonly found in coral reef environments, where it grazes on algae growing on rocks and corals. It thrives in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions and ample algae for grazing.