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sea
cucumbers text index
| photo index
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| Phylum Echinodermata > Class Holothuroidea |
| Eye-spotted
sea cucumber Stichopus ocellatus Family Stichopodidae updated Jan 09 Where seen? This large yellow sea cucumber with little 'eye-spots' is sometimes seen near living reefs on Pulau Semakau. Features: 15-20cm long. Body squarish in cross-section, blunt at the ends with a wrinkled skin. Mostly yellowish brown with a pattern of 'eye-spots' that appear into two rows along the body length. 'Ocellatus' means 'having little spots' or 'marked with eyes'. These are not real eyes but comprise a large white bump with a dark tip. The animal has flat underside with many tube feet appearing in three rows along the body length. According to Lane, it was known from Singapore for many years but was only described as a new species in 2002. Human uses: It is among the sea cucumbers harvested for food. |
 Pulau Semakau, Mar 08  |
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 White bump with dark tip. |
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 Flat underside. |
 Tube feet in three rows on the underside. |
 Slender tube feet. |
Eye-spotted sea cucumbers on Singapore shores
 Pulau Semakau, Aug 08  |
 Pulau Semakau, Jan 09  |
 Tanah Merah, Aug 09  |
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