Common name: Amberfish

Scientific name: Thelenota anax Clark, 1921

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

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Echinoderms
    Echinodermata
  3. Class
    Sea Cucumbers
    Holothuroidea
  4. Order
    Sea Cucumbers
    Aspidochirotida
  5. Family
    Sea Cucumbers
    Stichopodidae
  6. Genus
    Sea Cucumbers
    Thelenota
  7. Species
    Amberfish
    Thelenota anax Clark, 1921

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.