It will generally do well in an aquarium if provided with ample hiding places and a large area in which to move. It prefers an aquarium with live rock so that it can graze on algae and it will even eat Caulerpa sp.. It should be housed with nonaggressive fish. It is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications. Poor water conditions will cause it to shed its spines and rapidly decline in health.

It is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium with no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate.

If there is insufficient algae for it to graze on, the Hairy Pincushion Urchin should be fed dried seaweed.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 1-3/4″; Medium: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″