Sea Cucumber

Table of Contents☰

About Sea Cucumber

This species is a part of a larger animal group called echinoderms and are invertebrates that live on the seafloor.
Their body shape is similar to a cucumber, but they have small tentacle-like tube feet that are used for locomotion and feeding.
There are about 1,250 species of sea cucumber, all of which belong to the taxonomic class Holothuroidea.
Habitat:
- They are found in all marine environments throughout the world, from shallow to deep-sea environments.
- These are benthic, meaning they live on the ocean floor.
They excrete inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, enhancing the productivity of benthic biota.
Reproduction:
- They exhibit sexual and asexual reproduction.
- Unlike most terrestrial animals, sea cucumber eggs undergo external fertilization—females release eggs into the water that are fertilized when they come into contact with sperm that males have released.
Conservation status
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I

Q1) What are Echinoderms?

These are a diverse group of marine animals belonging to the phylum Echinodermata. They are characterized by several unique features, including a radial symmetry, a spiny or prickly skin, and a water vascular system. Echinoderms are exclusively found in marine environments and are known for their remarkable regenerative abilities.

Source: 330 kg sea cucumber and 594 kg raw turmeric seized in Gulf of Mannar; 8 SL nationals among 12 held