5 Indonesian Sea Cucumber Species Global Buyers Want

Indonesia is, by virtually every measure, the world's foremost supplier of sea cucumber. Known locally as teripang — and in global trade as trepang or bêche-de-mer — this marine commodity has sustained centuries-old trade routes between the Indonesian archipelago and markets across Asia. Today it feeds a global industry estimated to be worth between USD 1.1 and 2 billion annually.

According to global trade data, Indonesia accounts for over 80% of dried sea cucumber export shipments worldwide. Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and Singapore collectively receive the vast majority of that supply. For business buyers — from C-suite executives and heads of purchasing to regional distributors — understanding which species drive the most value is critical to making informed sourcing decisions.

Here are the five most commercially significant sea cucumber species exported from Indonesia, and why each one matters to global buyers.

Why Indonesia Dominates Global Sea Cucumber Supply

Spanning more than 17,000 islands and containing some of the world's richest coral reef ecosystems, Indonesia's coastal waters are home to at least 55 commercially harvested sea cucumber species — more than any other single country. The country's tropical shallow seas, seagrass beds, and reef flats provide ideal habitats for high-value species.

Key producing regions include South Sulawesi — Indonesia's premier trepang processing hub — as well as the Riau Islands of Sumatra, the Spermonde Archipelago, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara, and the waters around North Sulawesi. The FAO has confirmed that Indonesia is the largest supplier of wild sea cucumbers among all Southeast Asian countries, and its artisanal fishing communities have refined harvesting and processing techniques over generations.

1. Holothuria scabra — Sandfish (Teripang Pasir)

   Sandfish is the single most commercially valuable sea cucumber species in Indonesian export trade — and arguably in the world. It has commanded retail prices close to USD 2,000 per kilogram (dry weight) on the Hong Kong market, owing to its premium texture, flavor, and nutritional profile. Rich in protein, essential amino acids, collagen, and bioactive compounds, sandfish is a first-grade bêche-de-mer that appeals to the top tier of the Chinese culinary and health product market.

   In South Sulawesi, sandfish processing centers in Sinjai Regency and Pangkep Regency produce dried trepang that commands the highest domestic prices per kilogram. For buyers, sandfish is the benchmark species — the one against which all other grades are evaluated.

2. Holothuria whitmaei — Black Teatfish (Teripang Susu Hitam)

   The black teatfish is classified in the high-value tier of the global sea cucumber trade. Characterized by its large, dark body and thick body wall, H. whitmaei is a premium export product highly prized in Chinese markets for both culinary and tonic medicinal use. Indonesian waters — particularly around Sulawesi, Maluku, and the eastern archipelago — are among the most important sources of this species globally.

   For purchasing managers and importers seeking bulk, high-grade product, the black teatfish represents one of the most sought-after grades, with consistent demand from Cantonese and Hong Kong markets year-round.

3. Holothuria fuscogilva — White Teatfish (Teripang Susu Putih)

   A close counterpart to the black teatfish, the white teatfish is distinguished by its lighter, cream-colored body wall and similarly thick, premium flesh. H. fuscogilva is widely distributed across Indonesian reef systems and represents a significant share of high-grade sea cucumber exports, particularly to Hong Kong and Singapore.

   Business buyers targeting luxury seafood distributors and high-end Chinese restaurant supply chains will find the white teatfish to be a consistent, high-margin product with strong year-round demand and reliable supply from Indonesia's eastern waters.

4. Thelenota ananas — Prickly Redfish (Teripang Nanas)

   Named for its distinctive pineapple-like surface texture, Thelenota ananas is one of the largest sea cucumber species found in Indonesian waters and a highly regarded export grade. It commands prices exceeding USD 1,000 per kilogram dry weight, driven by its thick body wall, high collagen content, and strong appeal in the Chinese health supplement and gourmet food sectors.

   T. ananas is sourced from Indonesia's eastern waters across Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua — making Indonesia one of the most reliable global suppliers of this high-value species.

5. Stichopus herrmanni — Curryfish (Teripang Keling)

   Stichopus herrmanni, known commercially as curryfish, is a medium-to-high value sea cucumber species with notable export volumes from Indonesian waters. Widely distributed across the archipelago and particularly prevalent in the Spermonde Archipelago of Southwest Sulawesi, it is valued for its softer, gelatinous texture favored in certain regional Chinese cuisines.

   For buyers seeking reliable volume at competitive price points — particularly for mid-market foodservice and dried seafood retail — curryfish is a strategically important species in the Indonesian export portfolio.

Top Sea Cucumber-Producing Regions in Indonesia

South Sulawesi leads all Indonesian provinces in sea cucumber production. In 2021, the province produced 588.5 metric tons valued at approximately USD 2.9 million. Beyond Sulawesi, key producing regions include the Riau Islands (Sumatra), the Thousand Islands (Java), Nusa Tenggara Timur, Maluku, and Papua — all contributing to Indonesia's dominant position in global supply.

Source Premium Indonesian Sea Cucumber Through Sepanjang

For procurement leaders and business owners seeking a reliable, premium-grade maritime supplier, Sepanjang is Indonesia's specialist in sourcing and supplying high-quality sea cucumber (trepang) — alongside seaweed, abalone, and sea shell products. With deep expertise in the Indonesian maritime supply chain and an unwavering commitment to quality, Sepanjang is the partner of choice for buyers across Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, and beyond.

To explore sourcing options or request a product catalogue, click the smart button below and connect with the Sepanjang team today.