Urchin-Keep cleaning him or let it ride?

[Coach63]

I have an Urchin that keeps picking up sand and other assorted debris while he moves about the tank. Do I keep cleaning him off or just leave it alone? My first Urchin so I am a bit lost. Thanks for the input!

 

[recess62]

Dude. He is decorating himself/herself. Leave it be. I love to watch mine pick up stuff

 

[GoVols]

View attachment 680782 I have an Urchin that keeps picking up sand and other assorted debris while he moves about the tank. Do I keep cleaning him off or just leave it alone? My first Urchin so I am a bit lost. Thanks for the input!

Let it ride.
He wants camouflage to feel safe.

 

[EmdeReef]

You should let him be unless he picks up live snails, coral frags etc. it’s completely normal behavior.

 

[coral-boss]

Mine picked up a red leg hermit the other day and was cruising around lol.

 

[GoVols]

Lol!!!

A power T clown fish avi

 

[Maritimer]

He's _going_ to pick things up. I suspect that a majority of short-spined urchins do. Empty shells are harmless. Frag plugs covered with zoanthids are annoying. I've seen one photo of one wearing a Barbie-hat ... that was amusing.

~Bruce

 

[Eli'sReef]

This is ours .... I don't know where he found the patch of algae. .. but I'm guessing he is saving it for a snack for later.... ;Hilarious;Lurking

 

[Eli'sReef]

Also note the pally on it as well..... I thought I secured it. .. nope;Facepalm

 

[MarsRover]

Yah Man! Leave him alone. He’s just decorating