Common name: Spotted Worm Sea Cucumber
General information
The Spotted Sea Cucumber, Synapta maculata, is a unique and fascinating invertebrate commonly found in the reef aquarium hobby. It is known for its elongated, worm-like body and distinctive spotted pattern. This species is part of the class Holothuroidea and is a detritivore, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by consuming detritus and recycling nutrients.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 2 m (6′7″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs fine sand to burrow
- Diet
- Detritivore Feeds on detritus and microorganisms
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassSea CucumbersHolothuroidea
- OrderSea CucumbersApodida
- FamilySynaptid sea cucumbersSynaptidae
- GenusSea CucumberSynapta
- SpeciesSpotted Worm Sea CucumberSynapta maculata (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821)
- SynonymsFistularia doreyana Quoy & Gaimard, 1834Holothuria beselii Jaeger, 1833Holothuria maculata Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821Holothuria oceanica Lesson, 1830Oncinolabes fuscescans Brandt, 1835Synapta agassizii Selenka, 1867Synapta astrolabi Held, 1857Synapta beselii Jaeger, 1833Synapta mammillosa Eschscholtz, 1829Synapta oceanica (Lesson, 1830)
Care
Synapta maculata requires a well-established aquarium with a deep sand bed and plenty of live rock to thrive. It is sensitive to water quality, so regular water changes and stable parameters are essential. This sea cucumber is a peaceful species and should be kept with non-aggressive tank mates.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Synapta maculata typically involves broadcast spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but if conditions are ideal, it may occur.
Habitat
The Spotted Sea Cucumber is commonly found in shallow waters, often hiding under rocks or within crevices during the day. It is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the waters around the Philippines and Australia.