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Brown sea cucumber (Holothuria sanctori)

Photo of Brown sea cucumber (Holothuria sanctori)

Key facts

Scientific name
Holothuria sanctori
Common name
Brown sea cucumber
Category
Echinoderms
Family
Holothuriidae
Genus
Holothuria
Size
15–30 cm
Depth
5–80 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
rocky-reef, coral-reef
Behaviours
benthic, slow-mover
Ocean zones
East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean

Description

Holothuria sanctori reaches 30 cm. Mediterranean and Macaronesia sea cucumber with cylindrical brown-black to purple-brown body with small distinctive white papillae regularly scattered on back. Lives from 5 to 80 m on rocky bottoms, coralligenous and scree of Mediterranean, Macaronesia, tropical East Atlantic. Detritivore. Discreet cousin of H. forskali with characteristic white papillae pattern. Macro photo subject for diversified sea cucumber enthusiasts.

Photo of Brown sea cucumber

Photo of Brown sea cucumber (Holothuria sanctori)Photo of Brown sea cucumber (Holothuria sanctori)Photo of Brown sea cucumber (Holothuria sanctori)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Brown sea cucumber?
Brown sea cucumber (Holothuria sanctori) reaches 15–30 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Brown sea cucumber?
Brown sea cucumber is found between 5–80 m deep.
Is the Brown sea cucumber dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Brown sea cucumber?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Brown sea cucumber?
Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.

Other species in the genus Holothuria

  • Holothuria tubulosa - Tubular sea cucumber
  • Holothuria forskali - Cotton-spinner
  • Holothuria atra - Black sea cucumber
  • Holothuria edulis - Pink sea cucumber
  • Holothuria fuscogilva - White teatfish
  • Holothuria poli - Poli's sea cucumber

Other species in the family Holothuriidae

  • Bohadschia argus - Leopard sea cucumber
  • Pearsonothuria graeffei - Giant Black Sea Cucumber

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 241357)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 4342944)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia