Hainan Thorny Sea Cucumber

Hainan Thorny Sea Cucumber

　　　　The waters around Hainan Island and the Xisha, Zhongsha, and Nansha island groups are extremely rich in sea cucumber resources, with over ten species found in abundance. The main varieties include the thorny rose sea cucumber, marginate sea cucumber, radiate anus sea cucumber, black milk sea cucumber, two-spot white-stitch sea cucumber, and snake-eye white nylon sea cucumber, among which the rose sea cucumber is the most precious. The rose sea cucumbers served at state banquets all come from the Xisha, Zhongsha, and Nansha island groups. They grow in the coral reef and coral lagoon zones of tropical seas. Typically found on the seabed at depths ranging from several meters to tens of meters, when naturally extended, they generally measure about sixty to seventy centimeters in length, over ten centimeters in width, seven to eight centimeters in height, and weigh five to six kilograms. The largest specimens can reach up to 1.2 meters in length and weigh twelve to thirteen kilograms, earning them the title "King of Sea Cucumbers." The back of the rose sea cucumber features large, fleshy spines arranged in a floral pattern, with the bases of the 3rd to 11th spines connected, resembling the petals of a plum blossom—hence its name. It is also called "Pineapple Sea Cucumber" due to its resemblance to a pineapple (or "pineapple cucumber").