Key considerations when deploying sea cucumbers to the reef in autumn

2026-06-05

With the arrival of autumn, after surviving the summer, sea cucumbers enter their prime growth period. Early placement of sea cucumbers on reefs can boost yields and enhance economic returns. In practical aquaculture, however, sea cucumbers are susceptible to a variety of factors that can make reef‑setting challenging, thereby hindering their growth.

Water temperature: Water temperature is a critical factor for sea cucumber emergence. As autumn approaches, promptly drain the pond to lower the water level and rapidly reduce the water temperature, bringing it into the range optimal for sea cucumber growth and encouraging them to emerge and descend to the reef.

Condition of the sea cucumbers: During their summer dormancy, their metabolism slows significantly and they expend substantial energy, resulting in slow re‑attachment to the reef, inadequate physical recovery, and an inability to adapt promptly to external environmental conditions. To address this condition, we recommend evenly applying a fishery‑specific multivitamin throughout the pond (one bag per 5 mu), combined with a polysaccharide‑based active ionized calcium supplement, to optimize the sea cucumbers’ health and promote rapid recovery.

3. Water turbidity: When placing sea cucumbers on the reef, they should be promptly rinsed with fresh water to ensure proper acclimatization.

Turbidity in water bodies typically arises from two main causes: (1) After enduring high temperatures throughout the summer, water bodies may become nutrient‑rich, often resulting in green or red water blooms—caused by dinoflagellates or diatoms—which lead to elevated concentrations and reduced transparency.

(2) As autumn sets in, the large diurnal temperature fluctuations cause severe thermal stratification in the water column. At the same time, poor bottom‑water quality can lead to bottom‑water turnover, resulting in a substantial accumulation of organic matter floating on the surface and rendering the water turbid and opaque.

For situations where water quality is rich and green water develops, we recommend using chlorine dioxide powder (2 mu per meter) dissolved in water and applied as a spray, combined with a powerful bottom‑decomposition agent to break down dead algae. In particular, for red‑water conditions, use “Water‑Improving King” (1.5 mu per meter), dissolving it in water and applying it at noon on a sunny day, paired with “Clear Water Detox & Algae‑Decomposing Agent” to neutralize algal toxins, along with a strong bottom‑decomposition product to further break down dead algae. For cloudy, opaque water, consider using the new “Special‑Effect Bottom‑Clarifier” to adsorb organic matter and improve the bottom substrate, or employ a powerful bottom‑decomposition agent to address bottom‑layer issues, supplemented by a high‑concentration composite Bacillus preparation to degrade organic matter in the water.

Cultivating benthic feed: Benthic diatoms are the natural, palatable food for sea cucumbers. During feeding, sea cucumbers prioritize consuming benthic diatoms. When diatom populations are insufficient, they switch to ingesting organic detritus, bottom sediments, and other substrates. A plentiful supply of diatoms ensures high‑quality water and a nutrient‑rich feeding environment for sea cucumbers. In relatively clear waters, a combination of benthic diatom inoculum (10 mu per cubic meter) and a composite diatom strain (2 mu per cubic meter) is used to cultivate benthic diatoms. The benthic diatom inoculum, in granular form, can reach the bottom layer directly and contains silicate—essential for diatom growth—enabling rapid establishment of benthic diatom communities and providing sea cucumbers with an abundant source of natural feed.