{"product_id":"yellow-cucumber-colochirus-robustus","title":"Yellow Cucumber Colochirus Robustus","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eYellow Cucumber (Colochirus robustus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Also known as the Yellow Sea Cucumber or Yellow Filter-Feeding Cucumber)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Yellow Cucumber (\u003cem\u003eColochirus robustus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a vibrant, compact sea cucumber prized for its \u003cstrong\u003ebright yellow to golden-orange body\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003edelicate, feather-like feeding tentacles\u003c\/strong\u003e. Growing to around \u003cstrong\u003e10–12 cm (4–5 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e, this species adds movement and colour to the reef aquarium while acting as a natural filter feeder. It belongs to the same genus as the Candy Cucumber (\u003cem\u003eColochirus crassus\u003c\/em\u003e), sharing similar care requirements. Although peaceful and reef safe, it requires \u003cstrong\u003eregular feeding with suspended planktonic foods\u003c\/strong\u003e and stable conditions to thrive long-term.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to the \u003cstrong\u003eIndo-Pacific region\u003c\/strong\u003e, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. Commonly found on reef slopes and lagoon areas with moderate current, where it extends its feeding tentacles to catch plankton from the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Yellow Cucumber is a \u003cstrong\u003esuspension feeder\u003c\/strong\u003e, filtering microscopic food from the water using its feathery oral tentacles. In aquariums, natural plankton levels are often too low, so supplemental feeding is essential:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLive or concentrated phytoplankton (primary food source)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine snow and zooplankton blends\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine powdered coral foods or microalgae (e.g. Reef-Roids, Reef Energy)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed \u003cstrong\u003e3–5 times per week\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideally by gently target-feeding near the tentacles with a pipette or turkey baster. Consistent feeding is crucial for long-term survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModerate, indirect flow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Enough movement to deliver planktonic food to its tentacles, but not so strong that it prevents feeding or causes retraction. The cucumber should remain stationary in areas of steady but gentle current.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow to moderate lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e Non-photosynthetic; lighting is irrelevant beyond providing natural day-night cues and supporting other reef life. Prefers shaded or partially lit areas under rock overhangs or coral branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePosition on \u003cstrong\u003erockwork or stable substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e in a moderate flow zone where it can anchor securely.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnsure \u003cstrong\u003epowerheads, wavemakers, and overflows are covered\u003c\/strong\u003e with guards to prevent injury or suction accidents.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid unstable or high-traffic areas of the tank where it could be disturbed during feeding.\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful and fully reef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClownfish, gobies, blennies, and small wrasses\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReef-safe shrimp, crabs, and snails\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll types of corals and filter-feeding invertebrates\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePredatory fish (triggers, puffers, large wrasses)\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive or overly 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\u003eCompletely peaceful.\u003c\/strong\u003e Like other sea cucumbers, \u003cem\u003eColochirus robustus\u003c\/em\u003e may release mild toxins (holothurin) if stressed, injured, or dying. This is rare in stable reef aquariums but can be serious if it occurs. Handle gently, provide stable water quality, and ensure good oxygenation to prevent stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced.\u003c\/strong\u003e Though peaceful and reef safe, it is a delicate filter feeder that depends on frequent feeding and pristine, stable water conditions. Best suited to \u003cstrong\u003emature reef systems\u003c\/strong\u003e with established plankton populations and experienced aquarists comfortable with target feeding.\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 stability and adequate feeding opportunities\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain excellent water quality and gentle, consistent flow. Avoid rapid changes in temperature, pH, or salinity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe.\u003c\/strong\u003e Will not harm corals, fish, or invertebrates and contributes to the biological filtration of the aquarium by removing fine organic matter from the water. Ideal for peaceful, plankton-fed reef systems.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Real Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56864375439735,"sku":"FSH-00596","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0537\/0386\/8610\/files\/Yellow-Cucumber-Colochirus-Robustus.png?v=1773330267","url":"https:\/\/realaquatics.co.uk\/products\/yellow-cucumber-colochirus-robustus","provider":"Real Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}