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seagrass lagoon index
  Online Guide to Chek Jawa
seagrass lagoon
 
Ball sea cucumber
Phyllophorus sp.
Family Phyllophoridae

Ball sea cucumbers are common in the seagrass lagoon and on the sand bar. But they are seldom seen as they bury themselves in the sand. Tube feet that cover the entire body help grip the sand and keep the animal anchored underground.

click for enlarged imageBall food: When submerged in water, feeding tentacles are extended above the ground while the entire body remains buried. The feeding tentacles gather tiny organic matter suspended in the water. Each tentacle is inserted one by one into the central mouth and wiped clean of any edibles.

Human uses: A traditional Malay tonic called ‘Air Gamat’ is made from their body fluids which are collected and left to stand for several weeks. The tonic is a popular local remedy for faster healing of wounds and as a post-natal treatment.

Status and threats: The Tennis-ball sea cucumber (Phyllophorus spiculata) is listed among the endangered animals of Singapore. It is mainly threatened by habitat loss. 		 
click for enlarged image
Tennis-ball
sea cucumber
Phyllophorus
sp.

click for enlarged image
With feeding
tentacles extended

quick facts
Diameter to about 10cm, common in the seagrass lagoon and buried in the sand bar

Classification:
Class Holothuroidea
Phylum Echinodermata
 
See also ...
Echinoderms in general
Sea cucumbers in general

Links
The Traditional Healer of Langkawi by Eric Chong: an anecdotal account of how 'air gamat' is made from another sea cucumber (Stichopus sp.).

Other references
  • Tan, Leo W. H. & Ng, Peter K. L., 1988. A Guide to Seashore Life. The Singapore Science Centre, Singapore. 160 pp. online version
  • Ong, Jin Eong & Gong, Wooi Khoon (eds.), 2001. The Encyclopedia of Malaysia (Vol. 6): The Seas. Didier Millet, Malaysia. 144 pp.
  • Ng, P. K. L. & Y. C. Wee, 1994. The Singapore Red Data Book: Threatened Plants and Animals of Singapore. The Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore. 343 pp.
 

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