Moderate growth and limited movement of the prized golden sandfish sea cucumber, Holothuria lessoni
Abstract
Fishery management measures and culture-based stocking programs are adapted depending on animal life-history traits and mobility. However, many heavily exploited species lack data on movement and life-history parameters, creating uncertainty around fishery harvest limits and captive-release programs. We undertook a small-scale study at a 13-ha reef flat site in New Caledonia on the growth and movement of one of the most commercially valuable tropical species, Holothuria lessoni . In 2023, we photographically marked, measured and weighed 86 individuals. We returned to the site 13 months later, capturing, photographing, measuring and weighing 77 individuals in a broader search. Twenty-two of these individuals were confirmed recaptures, which gained, on average, just 2% of their body weight (31 g) . Most recaptured individuals had a small home range (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Echinoderm biology and ecology
Cephalopods and Marine Biology
Aquatic life and conservation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Aquaculture and Fisheries
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 11
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 719–728
- Publication date
- 24 January 2026
- Language
- EN