Thelenota anax

Lore & Background

Thelenota anax is found on sandy ocean bottoms and reef slopes at depths greater than 25 m. Its body is creamy beige or light brown with dark brown or red spots, and it has light colored bumps on top. Large papillae are located laterally, and long white podia are on its ventral surface. Its mouth is ventral with 18–20 peltate tentacles, and its anus is dorsal near the terminal end. The species often has ectocommensal relationships; scaleworms and gastropods commonly live on its outside without apparent negative effect. It is commonly fished commercially and exported because of its medicinal properties and large size.

Reader's Guide

Thelenota anax is one of the more commonly exported species of sea cucumber due to its high body mass, despite being one of the less expensive species. In the Solomon Islands, where it is commonly harvested, its commercial value is around $6.66 per kg. It is sold for human consumption as 'beche-de-mer'. The species is consumed in Asian and Middle Eastern countries for its purported medicinal benefits, though research into its effects is ongoing. It produces bioactive compounds such as arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, which are known to reduce the risk of coronary disease, some cancers, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, arachidonic acid promotes blood clotting and wound healing, which is why many Asian countries use T. anax to treat burns and cuts. Studies have also shown that it produces glycosides Stichopside C (STC) and Stichoposide D (STD). STC makes Ceramide, a tumor suppressor lipid, and causes apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells and leukemia cells. STD causes apoptosis of only leukemia cells and inhibits its growth.

Did You Know?

• Thelenota anax is also known as the amber fish, black teatfish, and elephant trunk cucumber.
• Its average length is about 69 cm, and the longest recorded specimen was 89 cm.
• It produces arachidonic acid, which promotes blood clotting and wound healing.
• The glycoside Stichopside C (STC) from T. anax causes apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells and leukemia cells.