The Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus: History, Biology and Aquaculture

While sea cucumber is one of China's and Asia’s most prized seafoods, and aquaculture programs are being developed on a huge commercial scale, Chinese expertise and knowledge in this area has not been well disseminated worldwide. The Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is the first book to bridge this gap by compiling key information related to hatchery and aquaculture techniques, nutritional and medical values, markets, and trade flow of the number one sea cucumber species. It summarizes the historical and most recent developments in the trade and aquaculture of Apostichopus japonicus, as well as important aspects of its anatomy, population dynamics, reproduction, development, physiology, and biochemistry. With sea cucumber harvest and aquaculture booming worldwide, comprehensive knowledge of China’s technological breakthroughs in this rapidly expanding field is key. The Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is essential to understanding the cultural underpinnings of the insatiable market demands for sea cucumber and what drives sea cucumber trade. It also provides biological information and aquaculture techniques that can be adapted to other species, making it a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners involved in sea cucumber harvesting, aquaculture, and conservation.

Explores the historical and current importance of Apostichopus japonicus in China, Japan, and the two KoreasPresents innovative production technologies in sea cucumber aquaculture Provides the latest scientific methods to maximize efficiency and productionIncludes important information on the design and operation of farms Discusses hot topics, current challenges, and future opportunities in aquacultureHighlights important advances in the study of sea cucumbers at the behavioral, cellular, and molecular levels

Chapter 1 Apostichopus japonicus in the Life of Chinese People Chapter 2 From Fisheries toward Aquaculture Chapter 3 Taxonomy and Identification Chapter 4 Anatomy Chapter 5 Spatial Distribution, Population Structures, Management, and Conservation Chapter 6 Reproductive Biology Chapter 7 Broodstock Conditioning and Spawning Chapter 8 Development, Settlement, and Post-settlement Growth Chapter 9 Environmental Drivers of Behavior Chapter 10 Feeding, Digestion, Nutritional Physiology, and Bioenergetics Chapter 11 Aestivation and Regeneration Chapter 12 Albinism Chapter 13 Tissue Biochemistry Chapter 14 Larval, Juvenile and Adult Predators Chapter 15 Immunology and Diseases Chapter 16 Aquaculture, Stock Enhancement, and Restocking Chapter 17 A Key Species in Integrated Polyculture Systems Chapter 18 Habitat Enhancement and Rehabilitation Chapter 19 Nutritional and Medicinal Value Chapter 20 Processing and Cuisine Chapter 21 Apostichopus japonicus in the Worldwide Production and Trade of Sea Cucumbers Chapter 22 Apostichopus japonicus: Fisheries, Trade, and Foodways in Japan Chapter 23 Apostichopus japonicus: "Dolgi Haesam" in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) Chapter 24 Apostichopus japonicus in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea