Common name: florida sea cucumber
General information
The Florida Sea Cucumber, Holothuria floridana, is a species of sea cucumber found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. It is a detritivore, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by consuming detritus and recycling nutrients. This species is characterized by its dark coloration, often brown or black, with a leathery skin and an elongated body that can reach up to 20 inches in length.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs fine substrate for feeding
- Diet
- Detritivore Consumes detritus and organic matter
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassSea CucumbersHolothuroidea
- OrderSea CucumbersAspidochirotida
- FamilySea CucumbersHolothuriidae
- GenusSea CucumberHolothuria
- Speciesflorida sea cucumberHolothuria floridana (Pourtalès, 1851)
- SynonymsCuvieria floridana Pourtalès, 1851Holothuria heilprini Ives, 1890Holothuria nitida Ives, 1890Holothuria silamensis Ives, 1890
Care
In the aquarium, Holothuria floridana requires a spacious tank with a deep sand bed to allow for natural burrowing behavior. They are sensitive to changes in water quality, so stable conditions and regular maintenance are essential. They feed on detritus, leftover food, and decomposing organic matter, making them excellent tank cleaners.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Holothuria floridana typically involves broadcast spawning, where males and females release sperm and eggs into the water column. In the aquarium, spawning is rare but can be induced with the right conditions and mature individuals.
Habitat
Holothuria floridana is commonly found in shallow waters along the Florida coast and the Caribbean Sea. They prefer sandy or muddy substrates where they can burrow and feed on organic matter. Their natural habitat ranges from seagrass beds to coral reefs, often at depths of less than 30 meters.