Yellow Sea Cucumber (Colochirus robustus)

The Yellow Sea Cucumber is a striking invertebrate known for its vibrant yellow coloration and unique appearance. This filter-feeding sea cucumber adds both beauty and functionality to a marine aquarium, helping to maintain water quality by consuming organic particles and detritus. However, the Yellow Sea Cucumber is an expert-only species due to its specialized care requirements and sensitivity to water quality, making it best suited for advanced aquarists with well-established tanks.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 4 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; a mature tank with stable water parameters is essential for this delicate species.
• Diet: Filter feeder; primarily feeds on phytoplankton and organic particles in the water column. It requires supplemental feedings of plankton-rich foods, such as phytoplankton, powdered coral foods, and finely ground flake foods, to thrive in captivity.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; the Yellow Sea Cucumber is a non-aggressive invertebrate that can coexist with other peaceful tankmates. However, avoid housing it with aggressive or predatory species that may harass or damage it.
• Skill Level: Expert; this sea cucumber is highly sensitive to changes in water quality and requires pristine, stable conditions. Its specialized dietary needs and potential toxin release in stress situations make it challenging to care for.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution; while it does not harm corals or other invertebrates, it requires careful handling due to its sensitivity and the potential to release toxins if stressed or injured.

Special Considerations - Sensitivity and Toxin Potential
The Yellow Sea Cucumber is an expert-only species due to its extreme sensitivity to water quality fluctuations and specialized dietary needs. If stressed or injured, it has the potential to release toxins that can harm other tank inhabitants. This species requires a stable, well-established tank with mature filtration and regular feedings of phytoplankton or other fine particulate foods.

Compatibility
The Yellow Sea Cucumber is peaceful and can coexist with non-aggressive tankmates. Avoid housing it with species that may nip at or disturb it, such as certain wrasses or crabs. A calm environment with minimal disturbance will help keep it healthy and reduce the likelihood of toxin release.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Yellow Sea Cucumber is brightly colored, with a distinct yellow hue that adds a pop of color to the tank. Its small, tubular body is covered in tiny projections, giving it a unique and appealing texture​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly in reef environments with strong currents that provide a steady flow of organic particles for filter feeding. In an aquarium, it thrives best in areas with moderate flow to aid in feeding.