Herrmann's sea cucumber
Herrmann's sea cucumber (Stichopus variegatus) is a large echinoderm native to the Pacific Ocean, reaching lengths of up to 20 inches (50 centimeters). Often referred to as curryfish, this species is consumed in parts of Asia and Australia, although it is less commonly eaten compared to other sea cucumber varieties due to its firmer texture. Characterized by its orange skin dotted with tiny black tentacles, the Herrmann's sea cucumber possesses a long, puffy body with a star-like arrangement of 10 to 30 tentacles at one end and multiple rows of tube feet along the sides for movement and feeding.
Typically found along coral reefs, especially near Australia's Great Barrier Reef, this sea cucumber plays a vital role in its ecosystem by sifting through sediment to collect organic particles. Herrmann’s sea cucumber undergoes external fertilization during its mating season, with larvae floating in the water column for several weeks before settling on the seabed and developing into juvenile sea cucumbers. The species is considered vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, highlighting concerns regarding its population. Although it has a relatively short lifespan of 4 to 5 years, some individuals can live up to 12 years.
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Herrmann's sea cucumber
The Herrmann's sea cucumber (Stichopus variegatus) is a very large sea cucumber growing up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) long. It is sometimes called curryfish and is eaten in Asia and Australia. They are closely related to sea urchins, sand dollars, starfish, brittle stars, and sea lilies.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Holothuroidea
Order: Synallactida
Family: Stichopodidae
Genus: Stichopus
Species: Variegatus or Herrmanni
Like other sea cucumbers, Herrmann's sea cucumber (Stichopus variegatus) is found along the seabed of the Pacific Ocean. It is common around coral reefs in the Far East and near Australia’s coasts, especially the Great Barrier Reef.
This sea cucumber is a giant among sea cucumbers. Growing up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) long, the sea cucumber has a long, puffy, cucumber-shaped body. Its orange skin is covered with many tiny, black dots. These dots are extremely short tentacles.
At one end of the sea cucumber's large body is a star-like circle of tentacles. This star is typically formed by 10 to 30 individual tentacles.
Along the sides of its long body are at least five rows of tiny, tube-like appendages called tube feet. The sea cucumber uses its tube feet for locomotion and collecting food particles. Unlike other echinoderms, which live and move upright, the sea cucumber lives on its side.
As it moves along the sea floor with the help of its tube feet, the sea cucumber collects tiny particles of plants and animals that have settled in the sand. Sometimes, the sea cucumber waits in one spot between coral and feeds only on floating creatures carried to its mouth by the water currents.
When the water turns warmer, the mating season for sea cucumbers begins. The male and female sea cucumbers release their sperm and eggs into the water. The eggs are fertilized by the sperm and begin developing into sea cucumber larvae. This process of external fertilization is known as spawning. Young sea cucumber larvae float through the surface levels of the water for the first few weeks of their lives. During this period, they feed on microscopic plants and animals called plankton. These young sea cucumbers have thin, fine hairs called cilia and many small arms which help them move through the water. Soon, they lose their arms and sink to the seabed where they grow five tentacles and begin transforming into adults. Young sea cucumber adults look like tiny versions of their parents.
The Herrmann's sea cucumber is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Sea cucumbers have a life span of 4 to 5 years, though some have lived 12 years.
Some people in the Far East and Australia catch this kind of sea cucumber for food, but it is not the most commonly eaten sea cucumber because its body is somewhat stiff with lime deposits. Other species of sea cucumbers have soft bodies and are eaten raw or boiled and then dried.
Bibliography
"Herrmann's Sea Cucumber (Stichopus Herrmanni)." What's That Fish, www.whatsthatfish.com/fish/herrmanns-sea-cucumber/998. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
Kokadir, Sucipto, et al. "A Review over Sea Cucumber (Stichopus Variegatus): A Potential Candidate for Nutraceuticals." Journal Nutraceuticals and Food Science, vol. 6, no. 10, 2021, nutraceuticals.imedpub.com/articles/a-review-over-sea-cucumber-stichopus-variegatus-a-potential-candidate-for-nutraceuticals.pdf. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.