Common name: Spiny Sea Cucumber

General information

The Spiny Sea Cucumber, Actinopyga crassa, is a distinctive echinoderm known for its rough, spiny texture and resilience in various marine environments. This species is not as commonly kept as some other sea cucumbers in the reef aquarium hobby, but it can serve a functional role in the tank ecosystem by consuming detritus and helping to keep the substrate clean.

Care

Actinopyga crassa requires a well-established aquarium with a deep sand bed and plenty of live rock to thrive. They are sensitive to changes in water quality, so stable conditions and regular maintenance are crucial. It's important to ensure that the tank does not have aggressive fish or invertebrates that might harm the sea cucumber.

Reproduction

In the wild, Spiny Sea Cucumbers reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, a process known as broadcast spawning. In the aquarium, reproduction is rare, but hobbyists can encourage it by maintaining excellent water quality and providing a stress-free environment.

Symbiosis

While not known for specific symbiotic relationships like clownfish and anemones, sea cucumbers play a vital role in the ecosystem by processing organic matter and thus indirectly benefit other tank inhabitants by maintaining water quality.

Habitat

Actinopyga crassa is found in a range of habitats from shallow reefs to deeper waters. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, often burrowing in the sand or hiding under rocks during the day.