Green w Pink Yellow Spiny Sea Cucumber

Pentacta anceps

Saltwater Invertebrate Species Group: Cucumbers Family: Holothuriidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Green w Pink Yellow Spiny Sea Cucumber

General information

The Pink and Green Sea Cucumber is a colorful filter feeder for home reef aquariums over 30 gallons. Rows of pink knobby thorns run lengthwise along its green and yellow body. Like Sea Apples, striking yellow and pink tentacles extend during feeding. Unlike most other sea cucumbers this animal normally stays stationary, when it finds a suitable location in the aquarium with the proper flow. This species of Sea Cucumber feed by pulling small particulates from the water column, which stick to the hair-like appendages off of its plume. The particulates are then moved to the mouth and ingested. Like other Sea Cucumbers, Pentacta anceps has the potential to poison an aquarium. The Pink and Green Sea Cucumber cannot tolerate high nitrate levels or copper-based medications.

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