parasite of this species and each parasitised Holothuria scabra will host a male and female pair of the fish which live inside its body. Conservation status The sandfish is listed as an endangered with populations declining by the IUCN Red List. They face threats from over harvesting, but efforts are currently being taken around the Indo-Pacific including bans on the fishery and restocking via aquaculture efforts. References Holothuriidae Fauna of the Indian Ocean Fauna of the Pacific Ocean Animals described in 1833 Sea cucumbers as food