Pink sea cucumber (Holothuria edulis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Holothuria edulis
- Common name
- Pink sea cucumber
- Category
- Echinoderms
- Family
- Holothuriidae
- Genus
- Holothuria
- Size
- 15–30 cm
- Depth
- 3–40 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- sand, coral-reef
- Behaviours
- benthic, slow-mover
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Holothuria edulis reaches 30 cm. Sea cucumber with very characteristic bichrome smooth cylindrical body: dorsal face black to dark brown, ventral face pink-red to salmon (hence distinctly identifiable). Often hosts commensal worm Gastrolepidia clavigera. Lives from 3 to 40 m on sands and coral reefs of entire Indo-Pacific. Listed LC but intense fishery in some regions (Asian beche-de-mer, edulis = edible). Interesting photo subject for color contrast depending on view. Key bioturbation role.
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Pink sea cucumber?
- Pink sea cucumber (Holothuria edulis) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Pink sea cucumber?
- Pink sea cucumber is found between 3–40 m deep.
- Is the Pink sea cucumber dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Pink sea cucumber?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Pink sea cucumber?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
Other species in the genus Holothuria
- Holothuria tubulosa - Tubular sea cucumber
- Holothuria forskali - Cotton-spinner
- Holothuria fuscogilva - White teatfish
- Holothuria atra - Black sea cucumber
- Holothuria poli - Poli's sea cucumber
- Holothuria sanctori - Brown sea cucumber
Other species in the family Holothuriidae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 1672771)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4343017)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia