Spicule Morphology and Nutritional Composition of Two Tropical Sea Cucumbers ( Stichopus horrens and Holothuria leucospilota ) From Sabah, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Accurate species identification is essential to ensure authenticity and traceability in the beche‐de‐mer (BDM) trade, whereas nutritional composition data provide important information for evaluating the nutritional value and aquaculture potential of sea cucumber species. This study verified species identity and assessed the nutritional composition of two tropical sea cucumbers, Stichopus horrens and Holothuria leucospilota , from the coastal waters of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Identification combined external morphology and microscopic analysis of calcareous ossicles. S. horrens was confirmed by tables, rods, rosettes and perforated plates, whereas H. leucospilota displayed elongated dark bodies, Cuvierian tubules and ossicles, including tables, buttons, rods and plates. Nutritional analyses followed AOAC methods, covering proximate composition, amino acids (ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography [UHPLC]) and fatty acids (gas chromatograph–flame ionization detector [GC–FID]). S. horrens exhibited high moisture (92.87% ± 0.20%), protein (50.27% ± 3.22%) and ash (39.50% ± 2.52%), with low lipid content (0.47% ± 0.11%). H. leucospilota showed high protein (53.17% ± 0.20%), moisture (68.92% ± 17.11%) and ash (32.07% ± 5.11%), with low lipid content (1.40% ± 0.13%). Fatty acid analysis of H. leucospilota revealed a profile dominated by C14:0 (myristic acid, 89.13%) and C14:1 (myristoleic acid, 10.70%), together accounting for 99.83% of the total detected FAME peak area, whereas no detectable FAME peaks were obtained for S. horrens . Valine was the dominant amino acid in both species. Overall, both species demonstrated high‐protein, low‐lipid profiles, supporting their nutritional value and potential for sustainable aquaculture development in Sabah.