How to catch on Urchin?

[dnorton1978]

I am going to take back my long spine urchin this week. He has tripled in size in about 4 months. What is the safest way to catch this guy without getting hurt, or hurting him.

 

[Anonymous]

Bow and arrow.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

Harpoon? Long handled spoon? Tactical nuclear device? :lol: I have no idea as I've never kept one, hopefully someone else will chime in here.

 

[Anonymous]

Fishnet. A big one. Just scoop from underneath it. Some spines will break off inevitably. If it's healthy it will recover no problem.

 

[dnorton1978]

So don't grab it? I was thinking I could grab a few spines with each hand and then put him in a bucket. I dont have a big enough net.. May buy one unless their is a better idea.. Thanks. Harpoon huh, that might just work...

 

[Kevin207]

I have one growing behind my overflow skimmer....just noticed him the other day. I will have to remove him too one day I am sure.

I stepped on one of these buggers once when snorkeling. You don't want to get stuck by one of their barbed spines. That is the key thing to remember....BARBED spines.

You could probably handle the urchin with old rubber aquagloves (I wouldn't want to puncture a new pair). I would pry it from below with a spatula or other tool, then lift it onto a plate or something that won't damage the spines too much.

Just don't handle it with your bare hands....if you do, I heard that urinating on the location where the spines went into your skin will help them come out....seriously. 8O

 

[dnorton1978]

Wow.. I will keep that thought. I was in the Bahamas on a kyack( cant spell it) and got out to look around and stepped on one. My foot hurt for about 2 weeks or maybe even three. Spatula sounds good and maybe a lasso.

 

[pcardone]

if you pick it up gently, try from the bottom. it wont hurt you.

 

[Anonymous]

You don't need a big fishnet. Hell, use the handle. You just need to get underneath it like you're scooping a burger off a grill with a spatula. It doesn't have to actually go inside the net.

The last thing I would do is attempt to pick it up with your hands, or even with rubber gloves.