Stichopus chloronotus

Datasheet

General Description

The Greenfish Sea Cucumber (Stichopus chloronotus) is an echinoderm species found in the sandy areas on the edges of reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. Also known as the Spiky Sea Cucumber, Green Sea Cucumber, and Black Knobby Sea Cucumber, it boasts a dark green to black coloration with rows of red or orange papillae along its sides. This species has a soft body with small bones that form an exoskeleton resembling latticework. It belongs to the Stichopodidae family and features around twenty flat tentacles around its mouth.

Aquarium Suitability

The Greenfish Sea Cucumber is recommended for expert aquarists due to its specialized care requirements. It is a sand sifter and should be housed in an aquarium with ample sand. It is essential to provide approximately 20 gallons of water for every three inches of sea cucumber. Regularly stirring the substrate will benefit these creatures by releasing bacteria and detritus into the water column. Feeding should include liquid or dried phytoplankton and zooplankton supplements.

Care and Hardiness

This species should only be kept by experienced aquarists due to its specific needs. It requires stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12.

Reef Suitability

The Greenfish Sea Cucumber is peaceful and suitable for a reef environment. However, caution should be exercised when keeping it with other delicate invertebrates.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care, set up the aquarium with a generous amount of sand to accommodate the Greenfish Sea Cucumber's substrate sifting behavior. Provide a well-established tank with stable water parameters, adequate filtration, and frequent substrate stirring to maintain water quality.

Behaviour

These sea cucumbers exhibit peaceful behavior in aquarium settings, primarily engaged in sand sifting activities to source food.

Feeding and Diet

As omnivores, Greenfish Sea Cucumbers should be fed liquid or dried phytoplankton and zooplankton supplements to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

The Greenfish Sea Cucumber is capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction involves broadcast spawning, while asexual reproduction occurs through transverse fission, resulting in the regeneration of missing body parts.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, the Greenfish Sea Cucumber can be found in sandy areas on reef edges throughout the Indo-Pacific region.