The researchers studied how sudden changes in salt levels affect the growth and survival of sea cucumber larvae and juveniles. They exposed the sea cucumbers to different salt levels and monitored their survival rates. They found that sea cucumber larvae do best in salt levels between 30 and 26, while juveniles thrive in salt levels of 26 and 22. Sudden drops in salt levels can lead to high mortality rates, with the most severe effects seen in juveniles exposed to very low salt levels. Some juveniles also showed evisceration, with higher rates in those exposed to a salt level of 30. Overall, maintaining stable salt levels is crucial for the health and survival of sea cucumbers at different life stages.