Tiger-tail Cucumber

[Yose]

I've had a Tiger-tail Cucumber H. thomasi in my tank for a little over two years. I don't see it very often because it spends most of its time in the sand or around the rocks. I usually just see its mouth sticking out of holes in the rocks

About four months ago my daughter noticed a second Cucumber hanging out with the original. I had seen glipmses of the new arrival but never enough to say, "yes it's a second one."

Today I saw the baby Tiger-Tail Cucumber in all of its glory so I thought it would be cool to share it with all of you.

I have to admit my knowledge of this species is a bit lax but I do understand they're detrivores, and I understand the dangers of having a stressed or dying cucumber in an aquarium. After getting a good look at the baby, I decided to do some research on the reproduction of H. thomasi. I wasn't able to find much with a Google search so I'm hoping someone here will have a little more insight into their reproduction habits.

One article stated they reproduce when they are stressed, generally due to starvation. Judging by the poop trail of the baby, in the picture, I'd say they aren't starving. I keep my system meticulously so I find it hard to believe the parent reproduced due to stress. There have been no changes in my tank for more than a year and all of the tank's inhabitants are healthy. Does anyone have any insights on what would cause the cucumber to decide to reproduce?

Thanks and I hope you enjoy my tank's good fortune

 

[Paintbug]

when tiger tails reproduce they usually split, atleast in a tank where theres only 1. they usually split in the middle into two cukes. if youre sure its not some stuck on one of the barbs, it may be a parasite of some kind. it almost looks like a Nemertea (Ribbon Worm) of some kind but im not the one to say for sure.