Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota
(Brandt, 1835)
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Description
This is one of the 3 "black sea cucumber" species found in Oman. This species is nearly cylindrical with the oral side tapering progressively. The living animal is often covered by a thin mucus layer that peels off when touched.
It is considerably larger than Holothuria atra which has also an interrupted mucus cover. Very often, the aboral side of the body is often anchored under boulders or crevices on the reef.
It is considerably larger than Holothuria atra which has also an interrupted mucus cover. Very often, the aboral side of the body is often anchored under boulders or crevices on the reef.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Distribution
Holothurian leucospilota is common in Oman and elsewhere. It can be found from the Red Sea to Hawaii and is also found in the Arabian Gulf.
It is even found inter tidally, in pools and under rocks.
It is even found inter tidally, in pools and under rocks.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ecology and Biology
Like other species of Aspidochirote sea cucumbers, Holothuria leucospilota lives on sediments that it eats to extract the organic matter between the grains of sands. It uses a series of highly modified tube feet, the peri-oral tentacles to collect the sediment rich in organic matter and ingest it. This species often hides partially by anchoring the posterior end of its body under a boulder or an overhang during the day and is often found is association with H. atra and H. edulis.
Although it does not seems to do this in Oman, as a mean of defense H. atra exudates a red substances when disturbed. This may indicate a difference between this species and that from other regions of the world.
Although it does not seems to do this in Oman, as a mean of defense H. atra exudates a red substances when disturbed. This may indicate a difference between this species and that from other regions of the world.