Common name: Brownspotted sandfish

General information

The Leopard Sea Cucumber, scientifically known as Bohadschia vitiensis, is a striking and beneficial invertebrate for marine aquariums. Its body is elongated, leathery, and adorned with a pattern that resembles a leopard's spots, which is where it gets its common name. This species is part of the Holothuroidea class and is known for its role in maintaining the cleanliness and balance of the reef ecosystem by consuming detritus and organic matter.

Care

Bohadschia vitiensis requires a spacious tank with a deep sand bed and plenty of live rock to thrive. It is sensitive to changes in water quality, so stable conditions and regular maintenance are crucial. This sea cucumber is a nocturnal scavenger and will often bury itself in the substrate during the day. It's important to ensure that the aquarium does not have aggressive fish or invertebrates that might harm it.

Reproduction

In the wild, Leopard 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 if conditions are ideal, they may spawn, leading to the potential for larvae to develop.

Symbiosis

Some species of sea cucumbers, including Bohadschia vitiensis, have a symbiotic relationship with pearlfish, which seek refuge inside the sea cucumber's body. This relationship is commensal, where the pearlfish benefits from protection and the sea cucumber is not harmed.

Habitat

The Leopard Sea Cucumber is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the waters of Hawaii and the islands of the central Pacific. It prefers sandy bottoms and reef flats where it can easily access organic detritus, its primary food source.