+C Lo Slice Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I've had a tuxedo urchin in my tank since June 19th. He has been VERY active since I've added him, moving all over the tank. I just got back from vacation late last night, and I haven't seen him move an inch since I got back. How do you tell if one is dying/dead? Its not like he is suctioned to the glass or anything; he's just sitting on a rock. Is this cause for concern at all? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Jakedoza Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I'd try putting a a little current to it to see if it moves.. If it isn't attached, then it is probably toast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inland Reef Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Hangin out in one place for a day, in of itself isn't the most alarming thing. Are his soft "feeling" tentacles out at all? Are water parameters off? They can be somewhat sensitive to temp, nitrate, & amonia spikes. The signs of distress that I've seen in the past are: Loosing color (changing whitish or brown), shedding needles, or stationary for several an extended period. Hope your is just taking a little siesta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robb in Austin Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Try to pick him up. If he's dead, he'll come right off. I've not smelled dead urchin, I don't think, but if it's anything like dead snail you'll know right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mcallahan Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 They usually lose their spines and your cuc will go after them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesL Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 They usually lose their spines and your cuc will go after them. This. Plus what Robb said. If how try holding the urchin, it should try squirming it's spines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+C Lo Slice Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 Thanks for the advice guys. Turns out AustiReef was correct: He was just taking a little siesta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derry Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 ... if it's anything like dead snail you'll know right away. Amen, brother! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DerrickH Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 both of mine died in 2 weeks. I though my nem killed one but the other just moved around and then one day parked. I came back a couple days later and all his needles were history and a hard empty shell was all that remained. I plucked him out and didnt notice any funk, but not about to go sniffing around anything dead... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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