The Florida Sea Cucumber, known in the scientific world as Holothuria floridana, is a species of marine invertebrate. It belongs to the family Holothuriidae.
You can find Florida Sea Cucumber on the sandy seabed just below the low tide mark.
Florida Sea Cucumber is found in places like Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
What Does the Florida Sea Cucumber Look Like?
The Florida Sea Cucumber has an elongated cylindrical shape and can grow up to 8 inches in length. It has tough, leathery skin with blunt conical bumps.
Florida Sea Cucumber has several rows of short tube feet on the underside. At one end, there is a mouth surrounded by a ring of feeding tentacles. The body color is a mix of mottled brown, fawn, and white.
Where Can You Find the Florida Sea Cucumber?
You can find the Florida Sea Cucumber in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the coasts of Florida. It lives at depths of up to 5 meters, that’s about 16 feet deep.
This marine invertebrate prefers to stay on sand and on seagrass beds.
Range and Natural Environment
The Florida Sea Cucumber is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, including Florida, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico.
It inhabits seagrass beds and mangroves and is usually seen at depths between 3 – 25 feet.
What Is the Biology of The Florida Sea Cucumber?
The Florida Sea Cucumber moves across the sandy seabed sifting through the sand with its tentacles. It feeds on detritus and other organic particles.
What Are the Ideal Conditions for The Florida Sea Cucumber in An Aquarium?
Florida Sea Cucumber is suitable only for well-established, large aquariums having wide-open, unencumbered fine sand beds.
It feeds on the microorganisms and organic matter in the bed and on the sand particles. If there’s not enough food, sinking shrimp pellets can be a good source.
Things to Remember in An Aquarium Environment
- Some angelfishes and triggerfishes are not good tankmates.
- They are very vulnerable to sudden changes in salinity.
- They should be carefully acclimated before transferring to your aquarium.
- They are not suitable for newly established aquariums.
- One per aquarium so as not to limit its food supply.
What Are the Special Care Instructions for The Florida Sea Cucumber?
When selecting a new specimen of the Florida Sea Cucumber, make sure the body is free of tears, cuts, sores, or odd-colored areas.
Damaged specimens rarely regain their health in closed systems. They must also be removed if the aquarium will be treated with copper-based medications.
What Are the General Attributes of The Florida Sea Cucumber?
The Florida Sea Cucumber is classified as having an intermediate experience level. It’s an omnivore with a peaceful temperament.
Florida Sea Cucumber is safe in a reef or fish-only aquarium. It needs an acclimation time of 30 minutes or more.
Aquarium Conditions and Other Guidelines
| Condition | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | 72°F – 83°F (22°C – 28°C) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 100 gallons |
| Lighting | Unaffected by intensity |
| Water Movement | WM 1 – 2 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023 – 1.025 |
| pH | 8.0 – 8.4 |
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Holothuroidea |
| Order: | Holothuriida |
| Family: | Holothuriidae |
| Genus: | Holothuria |
| Scientific Name: | Holothuria floridana |
| Also Known As: | Florida Sea Cucumber |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |