{"product_id":"candy-cucumber-colochirus-crassus","title":"Candy Cucumber Colochirus Crassus","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eCandy Cucumber (Colochirus crassus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as the Sea Apple Cucumber, Pink and Yellow Sea Cucumber, or Candy Sea Cucumber)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Candy Cucumber is a beautifully coloured sea cucumber species admired for its \u003cstrong\u003evibrant red, orange, and yellow body\u003c\/strong\u003e, often marked with white or pink bands and small tube feet. Growing to around \u003cstrong\u003e10–15 cm (4–6 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e, this species adds unique movement and colour to reef aquariums. \u003cem\u003eColochirus crassus\u003c\/em\u003e is a \u003cstrong\u003esuspension-feeding cucumber\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning it extends feather-like feeding tentacles into the water to catch plankton and organic matter. Though striking in appearance, it requires a \u003cstrong\u003emature, stable aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e with steady plankton availability and gentle flow to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Fiji, and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in lagoons and sheltered reef slopes, often positioned in areas of gentle current where planktonic food is abundant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Candy Cucumber is a \u003cstrong\u003efilter-feeding detritivore\u003c\/strong\u003e that relies on suspended micro-foods in the water column. In captivity, it should be target-fed regularly with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhytoplankton (live or concentrated)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine snow or coral plankton blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMicroparticle coral foods (e.g., Reef-Roids, powdered zooplankton)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003e3–4 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e. Target feeding near the tentacles helps ensure adequate nutrition, as many systems are too clean to sustain them naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide enough current to carry suspended food particles across the feeding tentacles but avoid direct jets that may cause stress or make it retract.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e This species does not photosynthesise, so light intensity is unimportant beyond what benefits surrounding corals. Too much direct light may cause the cucumber to hide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition the cucumber on \u003cstrong\u003estable rockwork or sandy substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e in areas of gentle, consistent current.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt will move slowly across the substrate or rock, using tube feet to anchor while feeding.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnsure it cannot be sucked into pump intakes or wavemakers — use \u003cstrong\u003efoam guards or strainers\u003c\/strong\u003e for protection.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompatible with peaceful reef fish and invertebrates. Suitable companions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClownfish, gobies, blennies, and small wrasses\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther filter feeders and soft corals\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnails, hermits, and starfish\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive or predatory fish (triggers, puffers, large wrasses)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverly active tank mates that may disturb its feeding behaviour\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAggression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e However, like many sea cucumbers, it can release \u003cstrong\u003etoxins (holothurin)\u003c\/strong\u003e if severely stressed or injured. While rare in captivity, this can harm fish or invertebrates. Handle with extreme care, ensure good oxygenation, and avoid physical disturbance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e Though not difficult if fed properly, Candy Cucumbers require stable, mature aquariums with sufficient suspended nutrition and flow. Starvation is the most common cause of failure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–27°C (75–81°F)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026 SG\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (dKH):\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;10 ppm\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum \u003cstrong\u003e75 gallons (280L)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a single specimen\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain excellent water quality and avoid copper-based medications or sudden parameter changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e Will not harm corals or invertebrates and helps remove dissolved organics, but care is needed to prevent stress or entrapment in powerheads. Ideal for mature reef systems with consistent plankton feeding routines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864375177591,"sku":"FSH-00592","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Candy-Cucumber-Colochirus-Crassus.png?v=1773330263","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/candy-cucumber-colochirus-crassus","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}