Assessment of Holothuria arguinensis feeding rate,growth and absorption efficiency under aquaculture conditions

Holothuria arguinensis is a potential species for sea cucumber aquaculture in Europe. In a first experiment, feeding rate (FR), growth, absorption efficiency (AE) and survival of adults (135.01?±?10.87?g eviscerated weight) were assessed under sediment tank conditions. In a second experiment, the feasibility to use sea bream (Sparus aurata) biodeposits as a food source was studied for adults (168.69?±?14.59?g eviscerated weight). Individuals in the first experiment showed an increase of weight (specific growth rate (SGR)?=?0.2% d^?1), positive FRs and mean value of AE close to 80% with a mean organic matter content of 90.07?±?11.5?mg/g in the offered sediment. Sea cucumbers fed with fish biodeposits showed a reduction of weight (SGR??1), low FRs and negative values of AE. The influence of low salinity and temperature during experiments should be considered to explain these results. Indeed, sea cucumbers can be affected by a decrease of these parameters during winter months resulting in a period of inactivity.