Horned - Sea Cucumber

Scientific Name: Stichopus Horrens

Species: Stichopus horrens

Other names: Selenka's sea cucumber

Description

The Horned Sea Cucumber (Stichopus horrens) is a tropical echinoderm species that is a member of the sea cucumber family Stichopodidae. it is a variable, grey to green/black sea cucumber. It is often variegated with dark patches. It is a medium-sized species (to 300 mm) with a smooth integument but large and irregular papillae. The big tubercles and irregular body form give an "irregular, soft and almost repulsive" appearance . Spicules are tables and large "C" bodies (S. horrens spicules). S. horrens many be found on reefs, below rocks on flats.

Habitat: Sandy/Rubble bottoms
Depth range: Low tide to 15 metres
Maximum Length: Approximately 30cm.
Distribution: Tropical Indo-West Pacific.