Huh?!!! Very attractive, but is it a problem?

[Anonymous]

Any thoughts about what this critter is. Self caught live rock, southern Indian Ocean, first time I've seen one, they are not a common thing here!

 

[Anonymous]

another pic

 

[Anonymous]

and another

 

[Anonymous]

and another

 

[Anonymous]

That looks like a very small urchin! What kind, I do not know.

I would just keep an eye on it as it grows, it should not be too hard to remove if you see it behaving badly.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Laura

I also thought so, but I am familiar with most (all) the urchins locally, this is strange...... as a 'schoolboy comment' I would describe it as a cross between an urchin and an anenome. The central grey bit with dots is unlike anything I have seen and the legs appear to be hollow and straw-like and seem to have the rigiity of a drinking straw ( or soda straw in your language! :lol: ) Its moving around today and that may be because I introduced around 10 shrimps of different types last night. I have not seen him before......

 

[Meloco14]

Looks like a type of pencil urchin. He's pretty cool looking whatever he is. Hopefully he turns out to be safe.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Meloco- have followed your posts in the past and have lots of respect.... :wink:

Will wait and see if anyone has anymore input and maybe post to the site as a 'new find'.... will keep you updated... " ex africa semper aliquid novi"Out of Africa there is always something interesting!!!) (Latin is poor and stale- but something like that..................

 

[Anonymous]

Need clearer pictures but from what I can discern and your location I would say it's a species of Phyllacanthus (Pencil Urchin) so temporarily call it a Phyllacanthus sp.. They feed primarily on algae both macro and calcareous, they will not harm corals but may bother other larger invertebrates.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for the answer, will keep an eye on him and see if he causes any problems. Very mobile character- he's disappeared back into the LR overnight and couldnt find him this morning, bit of a shame as he is pretty cute!