General Description

Body tapered at both ends, thin parchment-like to soft leathery body wall, smooth. Lacking tube feet, 15 small tentacles each with 2 pairs of small digits. Off-white to pale yellow to brown colour. Up to 18 cm long.

Biology

This newly described species was initially identified as Paracaudina australis, a species originally described from tropical waters in Queensland. P. bacillis is sometimes found washed up on beaches, especially after storms.

Habitat

In sand or other sediment, sometimes washed-up on beaches, to depth of at least 2 m.

Soft substrates

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern Australia, including western and central Victoria.

Species Group

Sea cucumbers

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

20 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Sea Cucumbers

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed