Sea Apple Care Guide
Pseudocolochirus violaceus is a colourful filter-feeding sea cucumber that can release toxic holothurin when stressed, making it an advanced reef animal.
Overview
The sea apple (Pseudocolochirus violaceus) is a filter-feeding sea cucumber of the family Cucumariidae, class Holothuroidea. It has an ovate body with feathery tentacles surrounding a central mouth and rows of tube feet for movement and adhesion. Australian specimens show a purple body, red feet and purple-and-white tentacles. It is an advanced animal because of its toxicity and feeding needs.
Taxonomy
- Class: Holothuroidea
- Family: Cucumariidae
- Genus: Pseudocolochirus
- Scientific name: Pseudocolochirus violaceus
Habitat
Pseudocolochirus is found in Indo-Pacific waters, with P. violaceus and P. axiologus among the recognised species. The animal anchors in areas of water movement where it can extend its tentacles into the current to feed.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Water flow: moderate
- Size: up to about 20 cm
- Lifespan: 3-8 years
Diet
The sea apple is a filter feeder that captures plankton from the water, bringing each tentacle to its mouth in turn to scrape off the trapped food. It typically feeds at night. In aquariums it is prone to starvation when plankton levels are insufficient, so regular fine planktonic feeding is required.
Reef compatibility
The animal itself does not harm corals, but it is sensitive: it can be harassed by crustaceans and fish that attack its tentacles, and severe stress can trigger toxin release. It is best kept with peaceful tankmates and away from aggressive fish, pufferfish, triggerfish and large wrasses.