General Description

Body soft, worm-like. No tube feet. Covered with distinctive small dark red domed soft mounds (papillae). Up to 6 cm long.

Biology

This species' scientific name reflects the many distinctive red domes covering its surface, called papillae. The continuous series of teeth-like projections around the inner rim of the microscopic wheel ossicles embedded in the body wall distinguishes it from other closely related groups.

Habitat

In sand and other sediment around rocks, to depth of at least 2 m.

Reefs

Soft substrates

Distribution guide

South-eastern South Australia, and 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

6 cm

Diet

Organic matter

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Species Code

MoV 1776

Identify

• Sea Cucumbers

Conservation Status

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