What is my sea urchin doing?

[gbose]

I have a new blue tuxedo urchin, who seems to have settled down well in my tank. I recently noted that he seemed to have extruded long spines/tentacles that were much longer than his regular spines. You can see them in the picture, sticking out to the sides of the tank. Does anyone know what this might be about?

Here's a pic (If I'm lucky, I can post it )

 

[Oxylebius]

Those are its tube feet -- used to grab structures and helps it more. They are actually delicate so don't try to move the urchin if its tube feet are attached to anything, if so you may end up breaking its tube feet off.

 

[Snid]

If you watch it closely, you'll see that when it is grazing all the tube feet are constantly picking things up and putting food into its mouth. Also, all those feet on a Tuxedo Urchin specifically, will reach out and grab things to dress himself with. Things Tuxedo Urchins like to wear... rocks, shells, shells with snails and crabs still in them, coral frags... I've even seen someone post a pic of one wearing the tank's heater.

 

[Tigersref]

They pick up anything, even zoa heads (as seen below)

 

[Paul B]

Texting

 

[gbose]

Thanks, guys -- I learned something today.

PAULB - THX lsmile:

 

[Oxylebius]

Here is my Mr. Potato Head urchin holding a small Montipora frag (orange coral)