Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber (Holothuria hilla)

The Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber is a sandbed specialist that helps keep substrates cleaner by ingesting sand, filtering out organic material, and releasing cleaner sand behind it. In established reef tanks, it can be a great “maintenance” invert for mature sandbeds. This species is generally peaceful and reef safe, but it needs a stable system, a mature sandbed, and careful compatibility planning.

Why we love it

• Excellent sandbed cleaner that processes detritus and organics

• Helps keep the top layer of sand looking brighter

• Peaceful and interesting to watch as it moves and feeds

• Great addition to larger, established reef tanks

Care and Compatibility

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes, with caution
Diet: Detritivore (sandbed feeder)
Adult Size: ~8 to 12"
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons recommended (larger ideal with a mature sandbed)

Feeding (Very Important)

Tiger Tail cucumbers rely on a healthy sandbed for food.

• Best in established tanks with a mature sandbed and natural detritus

• In very clean tanks, they can slowly starve, so ensure the sandbed has enough natural food

• Supplemental feeding is possible in some systems using powdered coral foods or sinking micro foods, but the sandbed is the primary food source
  If the cucumber becomes thin or stops moving for long periods, the tank may be too clean.

Tank and Setup Notes

• Needs a sandy substrate and plenty of open sand to graze

• Avoid sharp rockwork edges and unstable structures where it could get trapped

• Use guards on pump and overflow intakes, cucumbers can be injured by intakes

• Stable salinity is critical, echinoderms are sensitive to rapid changes

• Avoid sudden parameter swings and maintain strong oxygenation

Compatibility Tips

• Generally safe with corals and most reef fish

• Avoid aggressive predators that may nip or bite it, such as some triggers and puffers

• Use caution with large crabs and other inverts that may harass it

• Not recommended in tanks where it could be frequently moved or disturbed

Important Note

Sea cucumbers can release toxins if severely stressed, injured, or killed. This is uncommon in well-managed tanks, but it is a key reason to avoid aggressive tank mates and to protect them from pump and overflow intakes.

Acclimation and Health

Slow drip acclimation is strongly recommended. Introduce gently onto the sandbed and allow it time to settle. Once established in a stable tank with a mature sandbed, it is typically hardy.