With many species that can release poisonous toxins that kill other marine life, it is important to know what you are getting. These Sea Cucumber family and species facts, information, profile resources include photos along with captive aquarium care information to learn about these animals before you buy them.
Facts and information about the Black Sea Cucumber (Holothuria atra), including picture, feeding and aquarium compatibility.
Members of the family Holothuriidae are propably the most common sea cucumbers found for sale as reef janitors. They typically have thick, muscular bodies equipped with tube feet used for clinging to the substrate and moving about, and pointed fleshy projections (papillae) often cover the body.
An index to Class Holothuroidea Sea Cucumbers of the Synaptidae, Holothuriidae, Cucumariidae, and Stichopodidae families from your About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums. Many of these sea cucumber family members produce toxins that can kill saltwater aquarium fishes, and therefore should be selected with great care and caution.
A profile of the Yellow Sea Cucumber (Colochirus robustus), a reef tank safe suspension feeder.
Your Guides Debbie and Stan profile Sea Cucumbers of the
Holothuroidea class, which includes the families
Cucumariidae, Holothuriidae, Stichopodidae, and
Synaptidae. Each group contains an overall profile with individual species common and scientific names, range, size, and characteristics information.
A profile of the Black Sand-Mopping Cucumber (Holothuria edulis), which "mops up" sediments and diatoms in an aquarium.
A profile of the Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber (Holothuria thomasi), the reef tank safe sand sifter which requires a deep sand bed for good health.
While most Echinoderms are poisonous and many have sharp spines capable of causing injury, only a few members of the class
Asteroidea (Starfishes),
Echinoidea (Sea Urchins), and
Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumbers) are capable of actually causing injuries in humans. From eMedicine.com, learn about how these animals can harm you and what steps to take if a mishap occurs.
From WetWebMedia, Gad-Zooks Cukes! written by Robert Fenner is an excellent article that profiles the common and scientific names, description, size, environment and other information about species of Sea Cucumbers found worldwide, including a list of some most often used in marine aquariums. Lots of photos too!
From the #reef library, "Cucumber Defenses" is an excellent article written by Rob Toonen that provides much insight about the various ways in which Sea Cucumbers defend themselves, some of which can have a great impact on your aquarium environment.
From the Plymouth State College's taxonomic list of Invertebrates, the major attributes and description of Sea Cucumbers are profiled here, along with some other interesting facts about these animals.
From the Unversity of Berkeley Website, a brief overview on the biological structure and characteristics of Sea Cucumbers in the Class
Holothuroidea.
From the Tree of Life Web Project site, a taxonomic outline along with a complete introduction to the Class
Holothuroidea, Sea Cucumbers, including detailed information about their characteristics, anatomy, Orders of, and much more about these animals of the
Echinodermata Phylum.
From the Enchanted Learning Ocean Animal Printouts Index, here is a printable page that diagrams the anatomy of Sea Cucumbers and profiles the anatomy, diet, classification and some other characteristic information of these animals.
From the Sea & Sky Reef Life Echinoderms section, here is a picture with some general information about the Slipper Sea Cucumber,
Psolus chitinoides.
