Yellow Sea Cucumber
(Colochirus robustus)

Description

The Yellow Sea Cucumber (*Colochirus robustus*) is a striking and unique marine invertebrate.
Here’s a summary of the research:

**Appearance & Behavior:**
* Roughly cylindrical with 5 shallow longitudinal ribs, growing to about 7 cm (2.8 in) in length, though some sources state up to 10 cm (4 in) or even 6 cm (2.25 in). I will use the common consensus of around 7cm (3 inches).
* Vivid yellow coloration, sometimes with grey between the ridges.
* Angular appearance with finger-like or thorn-like protuberances.
* Ring of about eight large, feathery feeding tentacles at the anterior end.
* Clings to substrate with tube feet.
* Filter-feeder, extends tentacles into current to catch zooplankton and other organic particles.
* Spends most time on rocks.
* Can reproduce asexually by fission (splitting), sometimes due to stress or good health.

**Care Level & Compatibility:**
* **Expert Only** or **Difficult/Moderate** care level. This is a critical point due to its feeding requirements and potential to release toxins. I will highlight ‘Expert’.
* Temperament: Peaceful.
* Reef Compatible: Yes.
* Compatibility: Do not house with fish that may pick on its tentacles (e.g., Butterflyfish, large Angelfish, Triggerfish, Pufferfish, large crabs).
* **Caution:** Can release toxins when stressed (e.g., if sucked into pump intake, picked on, or dying) which can harm or kill other tank inhabitants. Proper acclimation (drip method recommended) is crucial.

**Tank Essentials:**
* Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (approx. 75 Litres) to 30 gallons (approx. 113 Litres). I’ll go with 110L to be safe.
* Requires established live rock for nutrients.
* Prefers moderate to strong water current.
* Sensitive to high nitrate levels and copper-based medications.
* pH Range: 8.0-8.4.
* Temperature: 22-28°C (72-83°F), 24-27°C (12), 75-82°F (23.9-27.8°C), 75-80°F (23.9-26.7°C). I’ll use 24-27°C.
* Specific Gravity: 1.022-1.026.

**Diet:**
* Filter feeder/Suspension feeder.
* Diet should include liquid or dried phyto and zooplankton, marine snow, or microvert.
* Benefits from regular stirring of substrate to release bacteria and detritus.
* Needs one or two daily feedings. Target feeding is recommended.
* Will shrink if malnourished.

**Origin:**
* Tropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines and Indonesia. Indian Ocean mentioned as well.

**Lifespan:**
* “Can live for many years in the home aquarium”. No specific number found. I’ll note as “[data unavailable]” for years, but indicate “several years”.

**Maximum Size:**
* Around 7 cm (2.8 in). Some sources cite 6 cm (2.25 in), 2.5 inches, 3 inches, or 1.5 inches. I’ll use 7 cm as the maximum, as per Wikipedia and Animalia.bio.

**Swimming Zone:**
* Bottom (clings to rocks).

**SEO Keywords:**
* Primary: “buy Yellow Sea Cucumber online”
* Secondary: “Yellow Sea Cucumber care”, “healthy aquarium fish” (though it’s an invertebrate), “reef aquarium invertebrate”, “filter feeder”. I will adjust the secondary to be more specific to invertebrates if needed. “healthy marine invertebrates” is more accurate.

Now I can construct the HTML.

Vibrant Yellow Sea Cucumber: A Reef Aquarium Gem

Add a splash of vivid yellow to your established reef aquarium with the fascinating Yellow Sea Cucumber. This unique invertebrate is a diligent filter feeder, captivating observers with its delicate feeding tentacles.

Overview

The Yellow Sea Cucumber (*Colochirus robustus*) boasts a striking, elongated yellow body, often adorned with subtle greenish-grey ridges and thorn-like projections. Reaching up to 7 cm, it uses its numerous tube feet to anchor itself to live rock. As a sessile filter feeder, it gracefully extends its feathery oral tentacles into the water column, capturing microscopic food particles. Its tranquil nature makes it a beautiful, albeit specialized, addition to your marine display.

Care Level

This species is for **expert aquarists only**. The Yellow Sea Cucumber is peaceful but requires precise care, including consistent feeding and stable water parameters. Compatibility is key; avoid housing with aggressive tank mates like butterflyfish or triggerfish that might disturb or damage it. Proper, slow acclimation via the drip method is essential to minimize stress and ensure its well-being.

Tank Essentials

A mature marine aquarium of at least 110 litres with moderate to strong water flow is crucial for the Yellow Sea Cucumber’s health. It thrives in temperatures between 24-27°C and a pH range of 8.0-8.4. Live rock is indispensable, providing both essential nutrients and attachment points for this delicate filter feeder. Maintain low nitrate levels and avoid copper-based medications.

Diet

As a dedicated filter feeder, the Yellow Sea Cucumber requires a consistent supply of liquid or dried phytoplankton and zooplankton. Target feeding once or twice daily is highly recommended to ensure it receives adequate nutrition. Regularly stirring your substrate can also release beneficial detritus for additional sustenance, ensuring your Yellow Sea Cucumber remains vibrant.

Why Buy From Us

When you choose to buy Yellow Sea Cucumber online from Corais de Vidro, you’re investing in healthy marine invertebrates sourced with responsible practices. Our rigorous quarantine protocols ensure each specimen is robust and ready for your aquarium. We provide expert guidance and meticulous care, ensuring your aquatic journey is successful and your new addition thrives.

• Scientific Name: Colochirus robustus
• Common Name / Variant: Yellow Sea Cucumber
• Maximum Size: 7 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.0–8.4
• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Lifespan: Several years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Transform your reef aquarium with this captivating Yellow Sea Cucumber today!