Common name: stone fish (holothurian)

General information

The Sea Cucumber, specifically Actinopyga lecanora, is a species of echinoderm that is often overlooked in the reefkeeping hobby but can play a vital role in the ecosystem of a saltwater aquarium. Known colloquially as the Lollyfish, this sea cucumber is recognized for its ability to process large amounts of substrate, thereby cleaning and aerating the sand bed which is beneficial for the overall health of the aquarium.

Care

Actinopyga lecanora requires a well-established aquarium with a deep sand bed to thrive. They are detritivores, feeding on detritus, leftover food, and waste, which helps to keep the tank clean. It is important to ensure that there is enough organic material in the substrate to sustain them, but not so much that it leads to poor water quality.

Reproduction

Sea cucumbers, including Actinopyga lecanora, have a unique reproductive strategy. They are capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. In the aquarium, sexual reproduction is less common, but hobbyists may occasionally observe the release of gametes into the water column during spawning events.

Habitat

Actinopyga lecanora is found in tropical waters across the Indo-Pacific region. They typically inhabit reef slopes and lagoons, often burying themselves in the substrate. In the home aquarium, they require similar conditions with plenty of live sand to sift through and a stable environment.