EchinoID

Shallow water echinoderms of Oman

Holothuria impatiens

(Forsskal , 1775)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
This species is relatively rare: I only photographed a few specimens of H. impatiens near Muscat, Masirah and Mirbat. It is characterized by a mottled appearance and large, often pyramidal dorsal papillae. It may be more abundant, but as with H. hilla (see photograph) to which it resemble superficially and share a similar behaviour to hide in the complexity of the reef, at least during the day.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
Stacks Image 112
Stacks Image 110
Holothuria spinifera is widespread in the Into-Pacific Ocean but never seem abundant.
Its distribution in Oman suggest that it is present throughout the whole coastline.
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
The species seem to hide very well in the crevices of the reef and because of its more camouflage color pattern, may be more difficult to see than H. hilla.