General Description

Body soft, rounded with upturned oral (mouth) and anal ends, pale to dark brown with underneath white. Flat, oval white sole on ventral side (underneath). Up to 2 cm long.

Biology

These animals are difficult to find because they are camouflaged with sand and algal fragments held by their small dorsal and lateral tube feet. Females brood-protect eggs and embryos in individual pockets around the oral cone (mouth area).

Habitat

Around and under rocks, also in seaweed, to depth of at least 6 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

South-eastern 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

2 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