Aquacultured Tuxedo Sea Urchin (Mespilia globulus) – 3/4"+

Aquacultured Tuxedo Sea Urchin (Mespilia globulus)

The Tuxedo Urchin is one of the most charming and useful invertebrates you can add to a reef aquarium. Its bands of deep blue-black bare skin contrasting with rows of short red-tipped spines give it a sharp "tuxedo" look, and it's famous for its quirky habit of picking up shells, rubble, and bits of macro algae to wear as a hat. Behind the personality is a tireless grazer that keeps rock and glass clear of film and nuisance algae.

Our Tuxedo Urchins are aquacultured, not wild-collected, which means they arrive already adapted to aquarium life and prepared foods. Each urchin is approximately 3/4" or larger and is fed and observed in our New Jersey systems before shipping.

Pricing

• 1 Urchin – $29
• 2 Urchins – $56 ($28 each, save $2)

Care Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Mespilia globulus
• Origin: Aquacultured
• Size: approx. 3/4"+ diameter (adults reach about 2–3")
• Care level: Easy to moderate
• Reef safe: Yes, with care (see tips)
• Diet: Film algae, diatoms, hair algae; supplement with dried seaweed (nori) if algae runs low
• Minimum tank size: 20+ gallons with established live rock
• Water parameters: 72–78°F, SG 1.024–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4

Tips for Success

• Drip acclimate slowly (60+ minutes). Urchins are very sensitive to salinity swings.
• Keep salinity, alkalinity, and magnesium stable; avoid copper medications.
• Glue down frags and loose rockwork – urchins can carry or knock over unsecured pieces.
• They may graze some coralline algae; feed nori if your tank is very clean.
• Peaceful with fish, corals, and other cleanup crew.

Photos show representative urchins from our current aquacultured stock. Coloration and size will vary slightly.

Shipping (Livestock)

• Carrier & Transit: Shipped securely via UPS Next Day Air across the continental U.S. We dispatch Monday through Wednesday, and you choose your preferred arrival date in your cart before checking out.
• Delivery Schedule: Standard deliveries typically arrive before noon, though outlying or rural routes may extend as late as 7:00 PM.
• Security & Local Pickup: Packages are sent strictly to the address provided at checkout unless prior arrangements are confirmed via email. Local pickup options are available right here in New Jersey — simply select the pickup option at checkout or reach out to coordinate.

Live Shipping Rates

• Standard Flat Rate: $54.99 for delivery across the continental United States.
• Regional Flat Rate: $34.99 for orders shipping to New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
• Free Livestock Shipping: Unlocked automatically on orders of $299 or more after discounts. Gift cards and store credit are applied as payment and do not count toward this total.
• Order Minimum: A minimum purchase of $60 is required for all shipped orders.

Dry Goods & Equipment Shipping

• Aquarium Supplies: Ship free. Items ordered alongside livestock are packed into the same shipment at no additional cost, and dry-goods-only orders ship free as well.
• Drop-Shipped Equipment: Aquarium Lighting, Powerheads, Return Pumps, and Protein Skimmers ship directly from our wholesale distributor at no shipping cost to you. These items are never packed with live orders.

Arrive Alive & DOA Policy

• Our Guarantee: We proudly guarantee that all livestock will arrive alive, healthy, and precisely as described.
• Reporting Window: In the rare event of a DOA, notify us via email within 2 hours of the official UPS timestamped delivery.
• Photo Requirements: Submissions must include clear, well-lit photographs of the specimen both in the unopened original bag (with the seal clearly visible) and out of the bag.
• Delivery Presence: Buyers must be present to accept the delivery on the first attempt; missed first-time deliveries will automatically void all DOA coverage.
• Resolution: Validated claims are eligible for a replacement specimen or store credit (note that original shipping fees are non-refundable).

While carrier delivery windows dispatched via UPS Next Day Air cannot be strictly guaranteed due to potential mechanical or weather delays, we will always collaborate with you to resolve any transit issues.

Need Help?

Reach out to our support team anytime by email: info@thetwincoralsshop.com

All policies are subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of The Twin Corals Shop.

How We Photograph Our Corals

Every WYSIWYG photo on The Twin Corals Shop is captured directly in our systems using meticulous settings to ensure absolute transparency. Our goal is straightforward: show the coral precisely as it appears in a well-maintained reef aquarium — never heavily filtered or artificially saturated.

Our Camera & Optics

• Camera: Panasonic Lumix G85
• Lens / Mode: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
• ISO: 50
• White Balance: Custom set between 9,000K–10,000K

This setup allows us to highlight the finest structural details — from delicate polyp extension and skeletal texture to subtle gradient color shifts — without washing out the true look of the animal.

Lighting We Shoot Under

• Fixtures: Nicrew Hyperreef Gen2 (100W or 150W depending on the system)
• Photo Spectrum Mix: White 5% · Violet 60% · UV 60% · Deep Blue 50%

Color Accuracy & Your Tank

By utilizing a targeted custom white balance, our photos closely mirror what you will see under a clean, balanced blue-leaning reef spectrum.

Keep in mind that corals are living organisms; their appearance can naturally shift from tank to tank depending on your specific water parameters, nutrient levels, lighting spectrum, and flow patterns. We strive to provide honest, dependable photos you can trust so your new coral looks right at home from day one.