Authors

Jomar F. Besoña

Author

Marjel M. Broce

Corresponding author

Fernand F. Fagutao

Co-author

Elgen M. Arriesgado

Co-author

Marnelle B. Sornito

Co-author

Erwin Jones A. Tucong

Co-author

Dan M. Arriesgado

Co-author

Rey Y. Capangpangan

Co-author

Fiona L. Pedroso

Co-author

College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Mindanao State University at Naawan, 9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Sea Cucumber Research and Development Center, Mindanao State University at Naawan, 9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Research and Innovation Institute, Mindanao State University at Naawan, 9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) are vital components of marine ecosystems, serving as bioturbators that enhance nutrient recycling, sediment aeration, and microbial diversity. Gut microbial communities influence the organism's overall health by supporting digestion, boosting immune responses, and aiding in nutrient processing. Recent advances in molecular tools—such as high throughput sequencing and metagenomic approaches—have enabled a deeper understanding of the taxonomic makeup and functional roles of sea cucumber–associated microbes. But several challenges hinder microbial characterization, like constraints in culture-based techniques, biases associated in sequencing approaches, and the limited availability of integrated multi-omics data to understand the dynamic host–microbe interactions. This review consolidates studies related to sea cucumber gut microbiota composition and functionality, assesses emerging molecular methodologies, discusses various factors that drives microbial assemblages and examines the potential of modulating gut microbiota to improve health, disease resistance, and overall productivity. The findings provide significant information for future research aim to advance sustainable sea cucumber fisheries and aquaculture practices.