Holothuria forskali (Delle Chiaje, 1823), also called the black sea cucumber or cotton spinner, is a native species from the North East Atlantic Area and the Mediterranean Sea. This holothurian is a newly targeted species to supply the Asian Market due to depletion of sea cucumber stocks in Asia. In this context, aquaculture is an alternative to prevent risks of overfishing.

A group of French researchers described the first successful reproduction, larval rearing and juvenile growth of H. forskali performed in captivity. The reproduction was observed in April 2018. The reproductive behavior was similar to those observed in other sea cucumber species. The auricularia stage hatched after 4 days and lasted more than 30 days. Pentactula and metamorphosis to the benthic life was obtained after 40 days. Juveniles have been observed only after 90 days and were eight mm long. Juvenile growth was slow (0.1 mm/day) for this first breeding.

Scientists said that this species is also an interesting candidate for multi-trophic aquaculture, offering more opportunities for a sustainable aquaculture.

The first description of reproduction in captivity is available here.