From 23 species of sea cucumber were recorded by Koningsberger, 1904. At present about 5 species are now commercially utilized in tripang trade. Those are :
Holothuria nobilis (black sea cucumber)
H. vacabunda (black sea cucumber)
H. vatiensis (red sea cucumber)
H. marmorata (brown sea cucumber)
H. scabra (sand sea cucumber)
Ecological criteria used for evaluation of suitability of the site for sea cucumber culture are followings:
5.1.1 Sheltered area
A good culture site for sea cucumber should sited in a bay sheltered from strong wind and wave action.
5.1.2 Substratum
Substratum should be sand or sandy loam with loose rock, gravel, good growth of sea grass, algae and detritus.
5.1.3 Salinity
Sea cucumber has poor osmotic regulation. It cannot tolerate big salinity changes. The salinity of the site should be within the range of 30–34 ppt.
5.1.4 Water depth
Under natural conditions, the water depth at which sea cucumber live is related to size. The juveniles are distributed in intertidal zone; but as they grow, they move to deeper water. Based on convenience in maintenance and management of the net enclosure, a site with depth from 0.50–1.50m during low tide is justified for sea cucumber culture.
5.1.5 Availability of seed
The availability of the stocks of the species to be cultured is a good indicator of the ecological suitability of the site for the growth of the species. The presence of the local stocks at the site or nearby areas also eliminates the problem of seed acquisition and reduces the operation costs.
The potential site suitable for culture of sea cucumber are found in coastal zones of Lampung, East Java, West Nusatenggara, North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, Maluku and Irian Jaya. The total area are around 2 500 ha (Table 11).
