Black Teatfish
Holothuria nobilis
Protected Status
Quick Facts
About The Species
The black teatfish is a species of sea cucumber that occurs in coral reef habitats in the Indian Ocean, and is most commonly found in reef flats and outer reef slopes with a preference for hard substrates. Teatfish are non-migratory and relatively sedentary, with slow growth rates and longevity estimated at several decades.
Large numbers of sea cucumbers are traded internationally each year, and the black teatfish is one of the most highly valued sea cucumber species in the Indo-Pacific region. It is sold dried and processed as “beche-de-mer” primarily to luxury food markets in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Korea and Malaysia.
Protected Status
ESA Candidate
- Throughout Its Range
CITES Appendix II
- Throughout Its Range
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Echinodermata | Class | Holothuroidea | Order | Aspidochirotida | Family | Holothuriidae | Genus | Holothuria | Species | nobilis |
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In the Spotlight
Management Overview
NOAA Fisheries initiated a status review of this species in August 2020. This status review will be used to determine whether listing the black teatfish as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act is warranted. During this time, the black teatfish is considered a candidate species under the ESA.