Yellow Sea Cucumber

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Expert   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 3"
• Diet: Omnivore (filter feeder)   • Aquarium Level: Substrate & Rocks   • Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
 • Reef Compatible: Yes   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
• Supplements: None   • Coloration: Yellow
• Origin: Indian Ocean, Western Pacific • Family: Cucumariidae   • Species: Cucumbers

Help Support AquariumDomain!      

• Your support keeps AquariumDomain advertisement free, lightning fast and fully optimized for both mobile and desktop browsing.

• Visit our Patreon page to learn about the exclusive benefits our Patrons receive!

The Yellow Sea Cucumber originates from the Indian Ocean and is a highly sought after specie in the aquarium trade for its bright coloration and unique appearance. Yellow Sea Cucumbers are a bright yellow color and have an elongated body with branch-like projections near its mouth. When feeding, the Yellow Sea Cucumber extends their branched feeding arms into the current to catch prey floating in the currents.

Yellow Sea Cucumbers make very attractive filter feeders for an established reef aquarium. If kept in small groups, the Yellow Sea Cucumber may spawn in the home aquarium. They may also reproduce by dividing into 2 individuals; however, this may come about due to stress, or may be a sign of good health.

The Yellow Sea Cucumber requires live rock to provide the nutrients it needs to sustain its health. It will usually find a location with moderate to strong current in which it can filter-feed plankton any other organisms from the water current.

If attacked or injured, the Yellow Sea Cucumber may release mild toxins, but due to its small size, will not pose a threat in the average sized aquarium. The Yellow Sea Cucumber is very sensitive to copper-based medications and it will not tolerate high nitrate levels.

The diet of a Yellow Sea Cucumber should include liquid or dried phytoplankton and zoo-plankton. They will also benefit from the substrate being stirred regularly releasing bacteria and detritus into the water. When malnourished, they will shrink in size, and may loose feeding arms; therefore, if these signs are noticed, increase the number of feedings, and target the cucumber with the appropriate food.

Caution! Yellow Sea Cucumbers have the ability to releases toxins (venom) that may kill fish in the aquarium when they are severely stressed or damaged by pump intakes or overflows. Do not keep any Yellow Sea Cucumbers with any species of fish that may pick on on the tentacles. These fish include; Butterflyfish, Large Angels, and any species that is listed not safe with invertebrates.