Holothuria scabra Jaeger, 1833
Holothuria scabra, commonly known as the sandfish or golden sandfish, is a species of sea cucumber belonging to the family Holothuriidae.
Current Status of Name :
This name is currently accepted taxonomically.
Rank : Species
Environment : Marine
Taxonomy Classification
- Kingdom : Animalia
- Phylum : Echinodermata
- Class : Holothuroidea
- Order : Holothuriida
- Family : Holothuriidae
- Genus : Holothuria
- Species : Holothuria scabra
Holothuria scabra
Description :
Morphology:
- Body shape: Cylindrical, elongated body with a thick, leathery skin.
- Size: Can reach up to 40 cm (16 inches) in length and 15 cm (6 inches) in width.
- Color: Typically yellowish-brown or golden-brown, with darker patches or spots.
- Mouth: Located at the anterior end, surrounded by 20 tentacles used for feeding.
- Anus: Located at the posterior end, surrounded by five calcareous teeth used for burrowing.
- Body wall: Covered with numerous small, flat, and irregularly arranged calcareous plates or ossicles.
- Tube feet: Scattered over the body, used for locomotion and adhesion.
Anatomy:
- Water vascular system: Used for locomotion, feeding, and respiration.
- Digestive system: A long, coiled intestine for digesting sediment and extracting nutrients.
- Respiratory system: Respiratory trees (modified tube feet) used for gas exchange.
- Reproductive system: Gonads located in the body cavity, with separate sexes.
- Nervous system: Relatively simple, with a nerve ring and radial nerves.
Habitat and Distribution:
- Found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific Ocean.
- Inhabits shallow coastal areas, such as seagrass beds, coral reefs, and sandy or muddy bottoms.
- Typically occurs at depths of 1-20 meters (3-66 feet).
Ecology and Behavior:
- Deposit feeder, ingesting and processing sediment to extract organic matter and detritus.
- Plays a important role in bioturbation and nutrient recycling in marine ecosystems.
- Exhibits a burrowing behavior, using its mouth and anal teeth to dig into the substrate.
- Can eviscerate (expel its internal organs) as a defense mechanism when threatened.
Reproduction and Life Cycle:
- Dioecious (separate male and female individuals).
- Reproduction occurs through external fertilization, with gametes released into the water column.
- Larvae undergo a planktonic stage before settling and metamorphosing into juveniles.
- Lifespan can vary but is generally several years, with some individuals living up to 10 years or more.
Commercial Importance and Conservation Status:
- Holothuria scabra is heavily exploited for its commercial value in the sea cucumber fishery and trade.
- Overharvesting and habitat degradation have led to population declines in many areas.
- The IUCN Red List has classified this species as “Endangered” (EN) due to unsustainable exploitation.
This description covers the key aspects of the sandfish sea cucumber, including its taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, habitat, distribution, ecology, behavior, reproduction, life cycle, commercial importance, and conservation status within the phylum Echinodermata.