Actinopyga obesa
(Selenka,1867)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
Actinopyga obesa is one of the three "star" sea cucumber found in Oman. The star refers to a series of 5 anal teeth that surround the anus and have given the name to the genus (Actino = star, pyga = "bottom"). The animal is typically from reddish-brown to light-brown under the artificial light, but because the red wave length disappear rapidly with depth, it may often appear much darker in natural light. The tegument is irregular and covered with numerous tube feet.
The 5 anal teeth are bright yellow.
The 5 anal teeth are bright yellow.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
Actinopyga obese is quite common at the Daymaniyat islands but, more unusual in the coral communities near Muscat. It is found in Masirah and in Dhofar but abundances seem to decrease with decreased latitude.
It is distributed throughout the Western Indian Ocean and Western Australia as well as in Hawaii and souther Japan.
It is distributed throughout the Western Indian Ocean and Western Australia as well as in Hawaii and souther Japan.
IUCN status
Data deficient (DD)
Data deficient (DD)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
Actinopyga obese, feeds on the organic matter in the sand. It does not appear to search for protected areas during the day and is often found wandering on the reef.