That’s some better living through chemistry right there! Who needs shells when you can just buy a $500 machine and spool off some plastic to dump in the water?
The article sounds pretty legit. Marine biologist who also owns a large saltwater aquarium noticed his urchins were covering themselves, realized it may be to shield from the full spectrum lights used to grow coral in the tank. He studied the behavior both in the tank and the wild
He also notes that some deep water urchins also cover, where sunlight is much less of an issue, so he believes it may be a complex need for shelter, camouflage, protection, and other things. But yes they will grab and wear little hats
I have a saltwater aquarium and can confirm that yes, pin cushion urchins will in fact do this. They pick up and carry around lots of stuff. Even the stuff you wished they wouldn't. Many a reef keeper has had them drop prized coral frags into the darkest, hard to reach spots in their tank.
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Jeg fant, Ludvig, naboen din.
Bor ikke han rett oppi lien der? 😉