Smooth Black Cucumber

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The Smooth Black Cucumber is a fascinating marine invertebrate and natural sand-bed cleaner. With its smooth, dark body and elongated shape, it slowly moves across the substrate while consuming detritus, microorganisms and organic material.

As it feeds, the cucumber processes sand through its digestive system, helping recycle nutrients and keep the substrate cleaner. It is best suited to mature marine aquariums with an established sand bed and plenty of natural food.

Smooth Black Cucumbers are generally peaceful and reef compatible. As with other sea cucumbers, take care when introducing and positioning them, particularly around pumps and powerheads.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Holothuria sp.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Flow: Moderate
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
• Diet: Detritus, microorganisms and organic matter
• Minimum Aquarium: 100L+
• Placement: Mature sand bed
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Compatibility: Generally reef compatible
• Tank Maturity: Mature aquarium recommended

FAQ

What does a Smooth Black Cucumber eat?

It feeds primarily on microorganisms, detritus and organic material found within the sand bed.

Does it clean the sand?

Yes. As it consumes and processes substrate, it helps recycle organic material and naturally turns over the sand.

Is it reef safe?

Generally yes. Smooth Black Cucumbers are peaceful and do not normally bother healthy corals or fish.

Can sea cucumbers release toxins?

Some sea cucumbers can release defensive compounds when severely stressed, injured or dying. Keeping them healthy and protecting them from pumps is important.

Common Mistakes

Adding one to a new aquarium

New systems may not have enough natural food within the substrate to sustain a cucumber.

Keeping it in a bare-bottom aquarium

A mature sand bed provides an important source of natural food.

Allowing it near powerheads

Protect pumps and intakes to prevent the cucumber from being injured.

Handling it unnecessarily

Avoid excessive handling and allow it to settle naturally after introduction.

Poor acclimation

Sea cucumbers can be sensitive to sudden changes in salinity and water chemistry. Use a careful acclimation process.