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.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 750 liter (200 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 70 cm (2′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample space to roam
- Diet
- Detritivore Feeds on detritus and algae
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
- Trade regulationsSource: Species+
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B (Thelenota spp.)
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassSea CucumbersHolothuroidea
- OrderSea CucumbersAspidochirotida
- FamilySea CucumbersStichopodidae
- GenusSea CucumbersThelenota
- SpeciesPrickly RedfishThelenota ananas (Jaeger, 1833)
- SynonymsActinopyga formosa (Selenka, 1867)Holothuria ananas Jaeger, 1833Holothuria ananas Quoy & Gaimard, 1834Holothuria grandis Brandt, 1835Holothuria hystrix Saville-Kent, 1890Muelleria formosa Selenka, 1867Mulleria formosa Selenka, 1867Trepang ananas Jaeger, 1833
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.