Holothuria Atra

Holothuria atra – Detritivore Sea Cucumber for Reef Aquarium

Holothuria atra, also known as the black-spotted sea cucumber or common sea cucumber, is a black sea cucumber native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. This specimen with an elongated body, reminiscent of a sausage, can reach up to 45 cm in the wild. It is highly valued for its ability to clean sandy bottoms.

A discreet and efficient detritivore

This sea cucumber spends the day partially buried in the sand or under live rocks, camouflaging itself with particles it naturally accumulates on its skin. At night, it becomes active and cleans the substrate by ingesting sand and filtering organic matter, debris, and other waste present in the reef aquarium.

Behavior and precautions

The Holothuria atra is generally peaceful and is content to forage through the substrate. However, it is important to note that this species can become toxic if it dies, releasing harmful substances into the tank. Therefore, it is preferable to keep it in a mature and well-stabilized aquarium, with a suitable volume and clean sand to avoid risks of stress or injury.

Maintenance conditions

• Minimum recommended volume: 300 liters
• Temperature: 24°C to 27°C
• pH: 8.0 to 8.4
• Substrate: fine sand or a sand/coral mix for good mobility
• Behavior: detritivore, nocturnal, peaceful

Why choose Holothuria atra?

• Excellent detritivore for reef sand
• Very useful for maintaining a clean substrate
• Discreet during the day, active at night
• Compatible with most fish and invertebrates
• Ideal in large, well-established tanks

Thanks to its natural cleaning abilities and discreet behavior, the Holothuria atra is a valuable ally for the biological balance of your reef aquarium. To be introduced with caution, but recommended for experienced aquarists seeking an effective and natural detritivore.