Common name: Prickly Redfish

General information

The Pineapple Sea Cucumber, scientifically known as Thelenota ananas, is a large and visually striking echinoderm that is popular among advanced aquarists. Its common name is derived from its rough, pineapple-like appearance, characterized by its thorny skin and elongated body. This species is one of the largest sea cucumbers in the world and can be a fascinating addition to a spacious marine aquarium.

Care

Caring for a Pineapple Sea Cucumber requires a large tank with a deep sand bed and plenty of live rock to provide hiding places and surfaces for grazing. They are detritivores, feeding on detritus and organic matter in the substrate. It is crucial to maintain excellent water quality and stable parameters, as sea cucumbers are sensitive to changes in their environment.

Reproduction

In the wild, Thelenota ananas reproduces by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, a process known as broadcast spawning. In captivity, breeding is rare, but if conditions are ideal, they may spawn. The larvae are planktonic before settling to the bottom and developing into juveniles.

Symbiosis

While not known for specific symbiotic relationships like clownfish and anemones, sea cucumbers play a vital role in the ecosystem by processing sediments and helping to maintain water quality.

Habitat

Thelenota ananas is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit reef slopes and lagoons, typically at depths ranging from 4 to 20 meters. This species prefers warm, tropical waters and is often found in areas with strong currents.