Sea apple
Pseudocolochirus violaceus
InvertebratesSaltwater
- Care level
- Demanding
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safe
- With caution
- Recommended tank
- 400 L
- Maximum size
- 18 cm
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
- pH
- 8–8.4
- Diet
- Planktivore
Care at a glance
The sea apple is a globe-shaped sea cucumber with a purple-blue body and a crown of branched, brightly coloured tentacles with which it picks plankton from the water, wiping them one by one into its mouth. It is one of the most spectacular invertebrates you can keep.
There is a serious risk attached, however: under severe stress or on dying it can release a toxin capable of killing an entire aquarium. Keep it only in a large, stable system with good filtration, away from pump intakes, and feed it regularly with fine plankton or filter feeds.
Good to know
Related species
Keep Sea apple in the BlubHub app
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.