Holothuria cubana
| Holothuria cubana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Holothuroidea |
| Order: | Holothuriida |
| Family: | Holothuriidae |
| Genus: | Holothuria |
| Species: | H. cubana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Holothuria cubana Ludwig, 1875
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Holothuria (Cystipus) cubana is a species of sea cucumber in the family Holothuriidae. This species was first described by Ludwig in 1875.[1]
Description
Holothuria cubana live at a depth of 0-7 meters[1] and grow to a length of 15 cm.[2] Individuals have a cylindrical body with a mouth and anus on either end. Young individuals are soft and have a light coloration. Dorsal papillae appear as they grow. They have suckered pedicels, which increase in number as they grow. Adults take on a rougher texture and have papillae. Adults are a dark gray color with brown spots and a white underside. [3]
Biology
Like some other sea cucumbers, the calcareous ossicles found in Holothuria cubana can serve as indicators for the animal's growth. The tentacles of small individuals are supported by thin, curved rods. In juveniles, these rods have distinctive perforated ends. These perforated rods shorten and are less frequently present in large specimens, which are covered in knob-like buttons.[3] Individuals have one gonad each and engage in external fertilization.[1]
Ecology
Individuals have been found throughout the western central Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.[1] They have been observed to position themselves under objects or hide in the sand, making them difficult to spot.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d "Holothuria Cubana". www.sealifebase.se. Retrieved 2021-01-08.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Holothuria (Cystipus) cubana Ludwig 1875 - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2021-01-08.
- ^ a b Cutress, Bertha M. (January 1996). "Changes in Dermal Ossicles During Somatic Growth in Caribbean Littoral Sea Cucumbers (Echinoidea: Holothuroidea: Aspidochirotida)". Bulletin of Marine Science. 58: 44–116.
- ^ Rutherford, Mike G.; Charran, Mark N. S. (2012-12-31). "New Locality Records for the Holothurians Parathyone suspecta and Holothuria cubana in Trinidad, West Indies". Living World, Journal of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club. ISSN 1029-3299.
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