Clypeaster humilis

(Leske, 1778)

Cake Urchin, Sea Biscuit

Range: Circumtropical

Size: 4 inches (10 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits sandy local shorelines.

Aquarium Suitability: Rarely seen in the aquarium trade, nor well suited for most home aquariums.

Should there be a desire to maintain this species, needs a wide expanse of unimpeded sandy areas and a sand bed at least 3 inches (7 cm) deep, one that has sufficient amounts of detritus.

Can also be feed sinking shrimp/algae tablets that when dissolved, should be mixed into the sand.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Echinoides

Order: Clypeasteroida

Family: Clypeasteridae

Genus: Clypeaster

FYI: Often shades of dull green, olive, brown, purple, red or black.

Experience Level: Expert

Diet: Omnivore

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: Sensitive to specific gravity/salinity changes, therefore be sure to adjust the bag's water to that of the aquarium in which it will be placed by slowly adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag every few minutes. In most cases, this process should take at least 15 minutes.

Aquarium Hardiness: Difficult

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4