Common name: Amberfish
General information
The Giant Sea Cucumber, Thelenota anax, is one of the largest sea cucumber species found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters. This impressive invertebrate can reach up to 1 meter in length and is known for its unique appearance, with a leathery skin covered in conical papillae or spines. Its coloration varies from dark brown to greenish-black, often with lighter patches.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 1,000 liter (260 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
- Omnivore Enjoys a varied diet, incl. algae
- Reefsafe
- No May disrupt reef structure
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
- Trade regulationsSource: Species+
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B (Thelenota spp.)
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
Care
Thelenota anax requires a large, mature aquarium with a deep sand bed and plenty of live rock to thrive. They are detritivores, feeding on detritus and organic matter in the substrate, which helps to naturally clean the aquarium. However, they may deplete the sand bed of nutrients over time, so supplemental feeding with sinking pellets or similar foods may be necessary.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Thelenota anax is not commonly observed in the home aquarium. In the wild, they reproduce by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. The larvae then go through a planktonic stage before settling to the bottom and developing into adults.
Habitat
Giant Sea Cucumbers are typically found in reef environments and on sandy bottoms near coral reefs. They prefer depths ranging from shallow waters to about 20 meters deep. Their natural range extends across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean.