Common name: Warty sea cucumber

General information

The California Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus parvimensis, is a marine invertebrate found along the Pacific coast of North America. It is known for its distinctive warty skin and its role in the ocean's ecosystem as a detritivore, consuming organic matter on the sea floor.

Care

In the aquarium, Apostichopus parvimensis requires a well-established system with a deep sand bed and plenty of live rock to scavenge on. They are nocturnal and will often bury themselves in the substrate during the day. It's important to ensure that the tank is free of potential predators and that water quality is maintained at high standards.

Reproduction

Reproduction in Apostichopus parvimensis involves the release of eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. In captivity, breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, sea cucumbers play a crucial role in their environment by processing sediments and facilitating nutrient recycling.

Habitat

This species is typically found in the cool waters of the Eastern Pacific, from the low intertidal zone to depths of over 250 meters. They are commonly associated with sandy or muddy substrates where they can find organic detritus to feed on.