1. Growing environment and age: sea cucumbers, especially wild sea cucumbers, usually grow in deep-sea areas, and their growing age is often long, usually between four and five years. This long-term growth makes the sea cucumber deposit more nutrients, so its nourishing value is relatively high. In contrast, the general sea cucumber, especially the cultured sea cucumber, grows in a relatively shallow environment, and in order to meet the market demand, nutrients are often put in to promote its growth, so its growth period is usually short and it can be put on the market in one or two years. This short growth cycle means that its nutritional value may be relatively low.

2. Appearance: Stichopus japonicus has some unique features in appearance. Its feet are usually short and thick, and its backstab and thorns on both sides are strong. In addition, its meat is thicker and more elastic, and the sand mouth is big and hard, which reflects its high quality and the uniqueness of its growing environment. General sea cucumber may be more slender in appearance, lacking the firmness and toughness of sea cucumber. Its feet may be slender and have poor adsorption because they live in shallow water for a long time.

3. Price and rarity: Due to the special growth environment, long growth period and high nutritional value, the market price of sea cucumber is usually high. Especially wild sea cucumber, because of its rarity, high nourishing value and more expensive price. In contrast, the average sea cucumber is usually close to the people because of its short growth cycle and large output.