Cucumber Split - what now?

yourmom · Aug 30, 2021

I added a yellow sea cucumber to my 40 gal tank two months ago today. I added it to a corner of one rock and it moved about 6 inches away and has stayed in that general area since. This morning, I noticed it had split in two. I've heard that they only split/reproduce asexually if they are happy and well fed, but I have concerns about whether it's eating since it hasn't moved from this one area of one rock. Anyone know how I can tell if it's doing well or if this is a time bomb? Is it true that they release toxins that can nuke a tank when stressed? I'm not sure what to do...

vetteguy53081 · Aug 30, 2021

yourmom said:
I added a yellow sea cucumber to my 40 gal tank two months ago today. I added it to a corner of one rock and it moved about 6 inches away and has stayed in that general area since. This morning, I noticed it had split in two. I've heard that they only split/reproduce asexually if they are happy and well fed, but I have concerns about whether it's eating since it hasn't moved from this one area of one rock. Anyone know how I can tell if it's doing well or if this is a time bomb? Is it true that they release toxins that can nuke a tank when stressed? I'm not sure what to do...

Toxins when startled and rare that it occurs
If concerned about toxins…. Add a pouch of chemipure blue which will absorb any
Similar to a butterfly, it takes a bit to heal then becomes active. The little spikes show up in a few weeks

yourmom · Aug 30, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
Toxins when startled and rare that it occurs
If concerned about toxins…. Add a pouch of chemipure blue which will absorb any
Similar to a butterfly, it takes a bit to heal then becomes active. The little spikes show up in a few weeks

Thank you for commenting! I'm concerned about the general health of the little critter. If it did split because of stress, it's probably not done releasing toxins or maybe hasn't started yet. I don't mind adding chemipure blue if that would be beneficial, but I am not sure how to give him his best shot at being a happy lil' cuke (or two).