General Description

Body cucumber-shaped, soft, dark brown to mottled to pale yellow. Tube feet ventrally (underneath), conical pointed papillae over rest of body. Young individuals are white with prominent papillae, and move with a caterpillar-like action. Up to 20 cm long.

Biology

This is one of the biggest holothuroid species in Victorian waters. Juveniles are quite different in appearance to the adults and were initially thought to be a different species. This species was first described and named from New Zealand.

Habitat

Under surface of rocks, in sediment, and occasionally on exposed rock surfaces, to depth of at least 40 m.

Reefs

Soft substrates

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

New Zealand and southern Australia.

Species Group

Sea cucumbers

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

20 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Species Code

MoV 1690

Identify

• Sea Cucumbers

Conservation Status

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